Delete - Merge UpNEW YORK (AP) — The NFL doesn't have a deadline for when games would be canceled without a collective bargaining agreement.
Executive vice president Eric Grubman says the league and teams are working so that they will be ready to start the season quickly once a deal is reached, even during the lockout. The 2011 schedule released Tuesday has games beginning Sept. 8 but includes some flexibility.
The NFL could still squeeze in 16 games with a delayed start by eliminating bye weeks and the week between the conference championships and the Super Bowl, and the league has a deal with host Indianapolis to potentially play the Super Bowl a week later.
Grubman spoke Friday at a meeting with Associated Press Sports Editors.