The NFL has opted to cancel Thursday's preseason game between the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, because the Texans will be able to return home to their families in Houston sooner than anticipated.
The Texans said in a statement that they will drive home on Wednesday after finding a safe travel route.
"At this time, the priority of our organization is getting our players, coaches and staff back home to be reunited with their families, many of whom have been evacuated from their homes and are currently sheltered. The team feels it is imperative to get back home to help the Houston community recover from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey," the team said.
There were discussions on whether to also cancel Thursday night's game between the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter, but the Saints announced the game will go on as scheduled.
Tickets for the Texans-Cowboys game went on sale Tuesday night, and more than 40,000 have been sold, with the proceeds going to the hurricane relief fund. Those who have purchased tickets to the game can get a refund; if not, the money will still go to the relief fund. The Texans said in their statement that the McNair family, which owns the team, "will make a donation equal to the money that would have been generated from ticket sales."