Bears hoping to stay off 'Hard Knocks'

The Bears are one of 10 NFL teams never to appear on “Hard Knocks,” HBO’s documentary series. McCaskey wants it to stay that way.

“We’re told there is some interest in other teams [besides the Bears] being on the program,” he said with a smile. “And we welcome that interest.”

McCaskey has long opposed the Bears being on the show. This year, the NFL can compel the Bears to participate if another team doesn’t volunteer.

HBO will produce “Hard Knocks” during training camp, focusing on one team. The league announced Tuesday that its in-season version of the show will focus on a division, not a team, meaning the Bears still might not be in the clear.

McCaskey said president and CEO Kevin Warren was of a similar mind about the show. Warren said his interest is “in making sure the NFL stays strong and vibrant.”

Christmas Day action

There will be a Christmas Day NFL game this year — on a Wednesday. The league said the teams selected to play will be coming off a game the previous Saturday, making the turnaround akin to that following a “Thursday Night Football” game.

“It’s a huge viewership opportunity for the league,” McCaskey said. “Some people who want quiet family celebrations may have an issue with it. I’ve got somebody in my house that has an issue with it.”

The change didn’t require approval from NFL ownership.

This and that

The NFL is moving the trade deadline back one week, to Week 9.

• A new bylaw will allow teams to receive a third instant-replay review if a coach is correct about his first two.

• McCaskey said his opposition to expanding the NFL’s international slate last year was rooted in the league “taking away some of the individual clubs’ flexibility to protect home games.”

• McCaskey lobbied for Jay Hilgenberg, the seven-time Pro Bowl center from the Bears’ Super Bowl-winning team, to be the latest player inducted into the Hall of Fame from what he called a “backlog of deserving Bears.” The Bears have the most players in the Hall.