NEW YORK (AP) – While lawyers for NFL players and owners spend the weekend trying to put the lockout to rest, many fans are wondering when pro football will return.

And when it does, just how ragged will the preseason look?

Exhibition games rarely feature star players for more than cameo appearances. Now, with no offseason training at team facilities, no minicamps and perhaps delayed camp openings, the big names could be on the bench until… September.

There’s also enhanced concern about injuries. Few players are likely to be close to football shape when they report – whenever that is.

The players have yet to schedule a vote on an owner-approved proposal that would put the league back in business.