BY MARK HALPERN
We all know that injuries happen before the season starts (preseason) or obviously during it. The NFL season kicks off in just under a month and there has been more than a 200% increase of preseason injuries than last year. Is it because teams are pushing players too much, is it because most practices are held outdoors in scorching heat making players practice (with all that gear) or is it young guys trying to make an impression and trying to win a roster spot? It is a little of everything. Let’s take a look at the major blows to this season.
Los Angeles Chargers: Rashawn Slater tore his patella tendon during a practice where the field was over 100 degrees. He also got hurt after signing a massive extension.
Indianapolis Colts : Quarterback Anthony Richardson was leveled and was forced to leave the game against the Ravens.He did play this week.
Baltimore Ravens also suffered a huge loss in Bilhal Kone, a rookie cornerback. He tore his ACL and MCL in his left knee.
Arizona Cardinals: They’re waiting for the return of Edge rusher BJ Ojulari, who tore his ACL during training camp last season.
Tennessee Titians Lost Quarterback Will Levis and starting wide receiver Trelyon Burks
The Texans: Joe Mixon is yet to practice with an ankle injury. Rumors are out that he might miss the first two games of the season.
There are a lot more injuries out there. But, with only ONE bye week for teams to attempt to recover from various injuries and the fact that today’s game is faster and players are bigger and stronger than before. Teams need to lobby for a second bye week. Especially with the league wanting to expand the season an extra week or two. One bye week is not going to cut it, so what should happen is the league gives two bye weeks and spreads them out, every team gets one bye week prior to week 10 and another one after week 10.
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