We are starting to see reports that the NFL and the players union are making progress in their negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement.

I can only hope this is true.

I keep reminding myself that up until this point, there really haven’t been any surprises in the stalemate. I have to believe both sides knew that in mid-June the process would likely be exactly where it has turned out to be.

The owners knew that Judge Nelson in Minneapolis would probably side with the players. The players union knew that the 8th Circuit would likely be more favorable to the owners.

Now, however, it’s game on.