That could make sense, since there may be a likelihood that none of the five models may be available, or do you suppose they chose to resign or may have been laid off because of possible budget cuts?
If this is the case, I think what would be considered "regular models" this upcoming season might end up being Melissa Ordway and other celebrities from CBS programming.
Keep in mind that if this is going to be Season 49, there may be almost 220 episodes to produce. When Season 29 occurred, there were a greater number of episodes to produce, and because of budget cuts, 3 Strikes only had three playings that season (first playing in February 2001), plus Janice and Kathleen were both terminated before Christmas week in 2000. If budget cuts were the reason for Janice and Kathleen's terminations, do not be surprised if Rachel, Amber, and other models get laid off this time.