Report: NFL to Decide on Status of Scouting Combine this Week

The NFL is reportedly expected to make a definitive decision on the viability of the 2021 scouting combine in Indianapolis this week, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The NFL’s Scouting Combine, a gateway to the league’s off-season and a tradition in Indianapolis since 1987, has been downgraded to questionable for next month with a decision on its future coming this week.https://t.co/vJWk1WoJbZ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 10, 2021

The league is debating whether or not to hold the annual event amid continuing concerns related to COVID-19, as well as potential rescheduling options.

According to Schefter, the league is considering multiple alternatives to the traditional combine, including holding regional combines that reduce travel, staging a smaller version in February or delaying it until April.

Delaying the scouting combine could create problems for the league further down the line with regards to scheduling, as it is traditionally the first event of the NFL offseason calendar. Free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft could both be impacted.

Another obstacle to a rescheduled combine is the NCAA, as the organization announced last week it will host the 2021 men’s basketball tournament in an Indianapolis bubble from March 14 through April 5.

Indianapolis has hosted the NFL Combine each winter dating back to 1987.