James Laurinaitis, Future Pro Wrestler

NFL Lockout Watch: Hall of Fame Game, Rams Vs. Bears

Normally the release of the NFL Preseason schedule is cause for—well, a yawn, maybe, or a frustrated season ticket-holder's latest trip to StubHub. But the St. Louis Rams' 2011 preseason opener, against the Chicago Bears on August 7 at Canton, Ohio, is able to bathe in a little of the NFL Lockout's reflected drama. Will there be a Hall of Fame game at all? If a Hall of Fame game falls in the forest, and nobody's there to watch it, does anybody make a sound? 

If the Hall of Fame game doesn't go on as scheduled, it'll be the first skipped year since 1966. The Rams haven't participated, themselves, since 2001, when they won 17-10 against the Miami Dolphins. The Bears haven't made an appearance since 2005, when they topped the Dolphins 27-24. The Dolphins could not be reached for comment. 

I think this might be the agreement the NFL and the NFLPA (and the fans) are looking for: Pretend to disagree long enough to extend the NFL lockout through the preseason, and then come to an agreement that the preseason will be shut down forever. I'm in. 

Rams' NFL Preseason Schedule Begins With Bears In Hall Of Fame Game

The NFL preseason schedule was released today and, as long as an NFL lockout doesn't wipe it out, the St. Louis Rams will play in Canton, Ohio, as they kick things off against the Chicago Bears in the Hall of Fame Game on Sunday, August 7.

The Hall of Fame game is named, of course, because the Pro Football Hall of Fame will enshrine it's 2011 inductees on Saturday, August 6 in Canton. On that day, two former Rams -- Marshall Faulk of the St. Louis version and Les Richter of Los Angeles -- will have their busts unveiled.

"It's an honor to play in Canton and pay tribute to the careers of our own Marshall Faulk and Les Richter, as well as the other outstanding individuals who are being inducted into the Hall of Fame this year," Rams Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo said in a press release. "What a great NFL event to be a part of and a tremendous experience for our team. We are excited to kickoff the 2011 season by competing against our preseason slate of opponents as well as participating in the Hall of Fame game."

Along with the preseason opener, the Rams will play the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans at home while traveling to face the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars on the road.

Specific dates and times for the final four preseason contests will be announced at a later date.

ST. LOUIS RAMS 2011 PRESEASON OPPONENTS

Hall of Fame Game (Sun., Aug. 7) - Chicago Bears at Canton, Ohio

Week 1 (Aug. 11-15)- Indianapolis Colts

Week 2 (Aug. 18-22)- Tennessee Titans

Week 3 (Aug. 25-29) - @ Kansas City Chiefs

Week 4 (Sept. 1-2)- @ Jacksonville Jaguars