NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced Thursday that the league has canceled the Aug. 7 Hall of Fame game between the Chicago Bears and St. Louis Rams because of the short timeline that would be required for the game to be played as scheduled.

"We are unfortunately going to have to cancel the Hall of Fame game this year," Goodell said from the owners' meeting in Atlanta. "The time is just too short, and we feel it's important for all 32 teams to be operating with the same number of preseason games, and also starting camp at the same date or near the same date."

Goodell added that the Hall of Fame ceremonies -- which this year feature the induction of former Bears defensive end Richard Dent -- will take place as originally scheduled.

"Although the game is an important part of the 10-day, 18-event Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, it is important to remember that the most important event is the Enshrinement Ceremony which will be held on Saturday night Aug. 6 as scheduled," the Pro Football Hall of Fame said in a statement.