What is a scrimmage in football?

In football, a scrimmage is a practice game played between two teams for the purpose of preparing for an upcoming season or game. It is typically held during training camp or preseason and is used to test plays, evaluate players, and identify strengths and weaknesses. The game is played under near-game conditions, with officials, referees, and coaches present to monitor the game. Some rules may be relaxed or altered to simulate specific game situations or to protect players from injury. A scrimmage can be a valuable tool for coaches in deciding which players will start or see significant playing time during the regular season.