Why was the raiders game delayed

Tonight, the NFL preseason officially gets underway in the annual Hall of Fame Game. Unfortunately, fans may have to wait longer than expected for kickoff.

The Jaguars vs. Raiders Hall of Fame Game, originally scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on NBC, is officially in a weather delay. "Severe weather" is in the area, and fans have been told to "seek shelter immediately."

An unfortunate update to the start of the NFL preseason. Hopefully the weather clears soon.

"Oh no: 'Severe weather' is approaching Canton, Ohio and fans are being told to seek shelter. #Raiders-#Jaguars might not start on time," said Ari Meirov.

It doesn't look too good out in Canton, Ohio. Thunderstorms are nearby, and the NFL doesn't want its players or fans in danger.

It's currently unclear when the Raiders and Jaguars will get going, but typical weather delays range from 30 to 45 minutes, as long as the weather clears a bit. Expect the Hall of Fame Game to commence around 8:45 p.m. ET as long as the skies clear.

Catch coverage on NBC.

The Jacksonville Jaguars mascot Jaxson de Ville runs on field after a severe weather warning before the Hall of Fame game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Football fans that tune in to watch the Jacksonville Jaguars face off against the Las Vegas Raiders might be disappointed to find out the Hall-of-Fame game has been delayed due to severe weather.

Originally, the game was set to start at 8:00 p.m. ET but it’s uncertain when it will begin. In fact, it might have already begun by the time of this writing but hey, if you’ve waited several months for NFL football, you can surely wait 30 more minutes or even an hour.

Of course, this will affect those that must show up to work tomorrow morning or have to go to bed early, but this one isn’t in the NFL and there’s not much they can do. As a matter of fact, it would be reckless not to stop the game and expose players, fans, and team personnel to potential harm.

You know things are serious when they ask you to immediately look for shelter, which is precisely what happened earlier today. The rain has eased and the skies are clearing, per Steve Wyche of NFL Media. However, it will be a bit before the field is cleared.

What should you expect once the Jaguars take on the Raiders?

Eventually, Jacksonville and the Raiders will take the field. A couple of players you won’t see are running back Travis Etienne and Trevor Lawrence. Both players are set to sit out the game. Other Jaguars that won’t suit up are:

Zay Jones, WR
Laviska Shenault Jr., WR
Marvin Jones Jr., WR
CJ Beathard, QB
Foyesade Oluokun, LB
Bradon Scherff, OL
Josh Allen, OLB
Malcom Brown, DT
Chris Manhertz, TE
Jawaan Taylor, RT
Folorunso Fatukasi, DL
Cam Robinson, LT
Darious Williams, CB

Rookie Luke Fortner will start at center. He’s practiced with the first team in training camp and will get a chance to win the starting job. Similarly, Walker Little is in a battle for the right tackle job. Incumbent Jawaan Taylor has been dealing with a hamstring injury, giving Little a slight advantage for the time being.

One player that will see the field today is outside linebacker, Travon Walker, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft. According to Demetrius Harvey of Big Cat Country, he looked explosive in warmups. Also, cornerbacks Shaquill Griffin and Tyson Campbell will get playing time, so there will be a few familiar faces on the field.

Update: FOOTBALL! SOON!

Official: 8:40 pm kickoff for the Hall of Fame game.
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) August 5, 2022

Update:

We are hearing 8:25 going on the field for a short warmup, then the HOF ceremony and then an attempt to play a football game #DUUUVAL #HOFGame
— Ashlyn Sullivan (@ashlynrsullivan) August 5, 2022

The Hall of Fame Game featuring the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars is in a weather delay due to heavy rain and thunderstorms in the Canton, Ohio area. The earliest they can start will 8:40 p.m. eastern according to the broadcast. The radar does look as though it will clear up sooner than later, so we should expect the 8:40 start.

Players leave the field at SoFi Stadium during a weather delay shortly before the scheduled start of an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders, Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — The kickoff of Monday night’s game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers was delayed 35 minutes because of lightning.

SoFi Stadium has a roof, but is classified as open-air due to the north side being open on the upper deck. Torrential rain hit the Los Angeles area nearly an hour before kickoff.

The stadium opened last year and will host this season’s Super Bowl.

___

More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL