Bad weather put a damper on the NFL’s preseason opener.
The 2024 NFL Hall of Fame Game between the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans was suspended in the third quarter and ultimately canceled due to heavy rain and lightning in the Canton, Ohio, area. Chicago defeated Houston with a final score of 21-17.
NFL Hall of Fame Game Canceled After Weather Delay
The NFL decided to cancel the remainder of the Hall of Fame Game due to the storm. This isn’t a huge surprise, as the broadcast hinted at this outcome during the delay.
“I’d be surprised if they finish this game,” broadcaster Joe Buck said after the game was suspended.
The league announced the cancelation on X (formerly known as Twitter).
FINAL due to inclement weather. pic.twitter.com/YmrFI0u9mp
— NFL (@NFL) August 2, 2024
Bears wide receiver Collin Johnson was the game’s standout player, finishing with three receptions for 56 yards and two touchdowns. He also had another near-incredible catch called back upon review.
Bears quarterback Brett Rypien threw for 166 yards and three touchdowns, posting a 148.9 passer rating. For the Texans, quarterback Davis Mills led the way with 102 passing yards and one touchdown.
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This isn’t the first time that the NFL has canceled the remainder of a preseason matchup, as there were two examples as recently as last summer.
A Week 2 preseason matchup between the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers was suspended in the second half after New England cornerback Isaiah Bolden suffered a major head injury.
A week later, a preseason game between the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars was suspended after Dolphins wide receiver Daewood Davis was carted off the field. Neither game resumed.
Additionally, the 2016 NFL Hall of Fame Game between the Packers and Indianapolis Colts was canceled before it even started due to poor playing conditions.
Neither team played its starters tonight, so it’s possible that No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams will make his NFL debut in Chicago’s next preseason game, which will be on Aug. 10 against the Buffalo Bills.
Meanwhile, the Texans’ second preseason game will be on road against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 9. Check out the complete 2024 NFL preseason schedule here.
