One of the most underrated aspects of training camp is joint practices. They offer something teams can’t get from scrimmaging against themselves. While simulated game situations and installing concepts help during regular camp sessions, nothing sharpens focus like going up against a live opponent. The competition translates what players learn into actionable skills that carry over to real games.
How Intense Are NFL Joint Practices?
Joint practices can get extremely fierce, as players arrive from different psychological and emotional places, fighting for roster spots and trying to prove to coaches they deserve starting roles. Add natural competitiveness to the mix, and the energy becomes electric.
The us-versus-them mentality develops quickly. Both teams have spent weeks bonding and forming relationships during their individual camps. When they face off, that camaraderie creates an intensity that approaches live game levels.
On-field fights and altercations happen regularly, which explains why some teams limit their joint sessions.
Teams recognize this pattern and often schedule their mixed sessions strategically. Players consistently report that extending joint practices beyond one day creates problems.
“Every time I’ve ever had a joint practice, the first day will be a little rough and then the second one ends in a fight,” Packers running back Josh Jacobs told the Associated Press last year.
Below is the complete schedule of joint practices for the 2025 season.
Tuesday, August 5
Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens in Owings Mills, MD
Los Angeles Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys in Oxnard, CA
Wednesday, August 6
Cleveland Browns vs. Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, NC
Washington Commanders vs. New England Patriots in Foxborough, MA
Thursday, August 7
Denver Broncos vs. San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, CA
Tennessee Titans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, FL
Friday, August 8
Miami Dolphins vs. Chicago Bears in Lake Forest, IL
Tuesday, August 12
New York Giants vs. New York Jets in Florham Park, NJ
Tennessee Titans vs. Atlanta Falcons in Flowery Branch, GA
Wednesday, August 13
Cleveland Browns vs. Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia, PA
Los Angeles Rams vs. Los Angeles Chargers in El Segundo, CA
Miami Dolphins vs. Detroit Lions in Allen Park, MI
New York Jets vs. New York Giants in East Rutherford, NJ
New England Patriots vs. Minnesota Vikings in Eagan, MN
Thursday, August 14
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, PA
Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos in Englewood, CO
Carolina Panthers vs. Houston Texans in Houston, TX
Green Bay Packers vs. Indianapolis Colts in Westfield, IN
San Francisco 49ers vs. Las Vegas Raiders in Henderson, NV
Friday, August 15
Buffalo Bills vs. Chicago Bears in Lake Forest, IL
Thursday, August 21
Baltimore Ravens vs. Washington Commanders in Ashburn, VA
Houston Texans vs. Detroit Lions in Allen Park, MI
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Miami Dolphins in Miami Gardens, FL
Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, WI