Saints preparations for regular season are thwarted in unexpected move by San Francisco 49ers

One of the best things the NFL ever decided to institute was joint practices.

Now as of late, they have become more of a playground for fights than actual practice, but when used in a controlled environment, teams can simulate live play but without the extras of a preseason game.

And on Sunday evening, the New Orleans Saints were preparing for joint practices with the San Franciso 49ers this week, until they weren't...

49ers Cancel Joint Practices with Saints

49ers are canceling joint practices with the Saints in Irvine this week. Team is banged up and the concern is they won't have the bodies to do the sessions right, per source. Niners will remain in Santa Clara for practice this week leading into preseason game against the Saints set for Sunday. - Nick Wagoner, ESPN (Via Twitter)

Because preseason games are widely reserved for the back half of the roster, teams schedule joint practices ahead of their game as a way for starters to get reps against other starters.

Unlike preseason games, these practices serve as scrimmages where the QB is still off limits, no special teams are involved, and often it's only thudding , where defenders square up pass catchers and running backs instead of taking them to the ground.

But sometimes things get chippy, and often they are in full pads. And with the 49ers down multiple starters on offense and some on defense, it's understandable why they would be hesitant to add any potential bumps and bruises associated with play before they have to.

The news is disappointing for New Orleans, as getting a look at good on good where you control the variables is always helpful as teams prepare for the regular season.