The NFL doesn’t want its crowds, like this one on Sept. 20, at FedEx Field during a weather event. (Toni L. Sandys/ The Washington Post)
NFL officials are in discussions with representatives of the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles about potential weather-related scheduling contingencies in case Hurricane Joaquin impacts the D.C. area this weekend.
“We are monitoring the forecast and having dialogue with both teams,” said Greg Aiello, the NFL’s senior vice president of communications.
Aiello declined to say what prospective scheduling changes are being discussed. Spokesmen for the Eagles and Redskins declined to elaborate on potential rescheduling plans.
The Redskins and Eagles are scheduled to play Sunday at 1 p.m. at FedEx Field.
[Hurricane Joaquin intensifies, East Coast at risk for landfall]
Forecast models differ on which path Hurricane Joaquin will take and what effect it might have on the Washington area’s weather. Coaches and players were unsure of what to expect, but are keeping an eye on it.
“Well, we’ll wait until Sunday to know what exactly is going to happen,” Philadelphia Coach Chip Kelly said, “but it’s something that we’ve been monitoring.”
“I heard the rumors,” said Washington left tackle Trent Williams. “Nobody ever wants to play in any weather like that, but I think it plays into the [offensive] line’s hands when it kind of turns into a ground-and-pound type of game depending on the rain and the wind.”
Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins said playing in bad weather can be a challenge.
“I have done it in the past,” Cousins said. “Rain affects it, wind affects it, how much we get of each of those. When they start to combine and be a lot of both, it can be really difficult. Temperature also starts to change things. I’ve always been able to throw a wet ball pretty consistently. I don’t feel like it takes me off my game too much.”
This post has been updated. It first published at 4:03 p.m.
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