Jerry Jones: NFL "Could Easily Have Doubleheader On Thursday"

Two days ago, the NFL denied a Wall Street Journal story that reported that the league was considering adding an additional Thursday night football game. According to the Journal, the NFL hasn't been happy with TNF ratings on the NFL Network, and one solution under discussion was to air another game that night, which would remind us all that Thursday nights are a destination. With a doubleheader, Thursday's high tide would lift both games, which would be in keeping with a certain Goodellian philosophy. The NFL forcefully shot down the report, saying it hadn't " considered" or " even discussed it."

Well, Sports Business Daily interviewed Jerry Jones yesterday and when he was asked if the NFL had been talking about Thursday night games, he "replied affirmatively." From the report:

He said, "We could easily have a doubleheader on Thursday. I don't think that is out of the realm of thought, we haven't set up how we will do it." All options are open, he said, when asked if a second Thursday night game would also air on NFL Network or elsewhere.

Sounds like we're still a ways from anything happening, but it's pretty clear some thought has already gone into it, NFL denials be damned. Jones said an additional game—likely broadcast on another network—could easily happen within the existing TV contracts and that the NFLPA has " no say in whether" the league moves another Sunday game to Thursday.

[ Sports Business Daily]