NFL denies report Hard Knocks list has been cut to three teams

July 27 2012; Davie, FL, USA; HBO sports series Hard Knocks is seen taping a feature mini-series during their practices at the Dolphins training facility. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Recently a report surfaced suggesting that the NFL had cut down the Hard Knocks field to three teams with the Oakland Raiders not being one of them, saving the Silver and Black from an unwanted distraction that was possible after they fell on the list of eligible teams to appear on the HBO show.

Well now ProFootballTalk is reporting that nothing is certain yet, saying that the NFL is denying all reports of the field being cut down to three with those teams being the Giants, Bears and Steelers.

From PFT:

"Last week, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said that the next subject of the Hard Knocks series will be determined soon.This week, the NFL has denied that the field has been cut to three teams.Per multiple reports, league spokesman Greg Aiello says that a report that the Hard Knocksfield has been narrowed to the Giants, Bears, and Steelers isn’t accurate.Under standards the NFL passed last year, the Bills, Bears, Cardinals, Giants, Jaguars, Raiders, Rams, and Steelers can be compelled to do the show."

There has been no rumors or reports that the Raiders could be a favorite to be the team on the 2014 version of Hard Knocks, but there is no denying that the producers of the show couldn’t weave some intriguing storylines out of the new look and rebuilding Raiders. Throw in the passionate fanbase that is the Raider Nation and the fact that if the NFL can’t find a willing partner they just might stick it on the Raiders for old times sake and anything is possible. Still don’t expect it with head coach Dennis Allen and Reggie McKenzie assuredly doing everything in their power to avoid a massive pain in preparing for the 2014 regular season. For now nothing is settled yet according to the NFL.