It’s only the third week into the NFL season and many team-shattering injuries have already ruined seasons and plagued the NFL. Football is a heavily contact based sport and injuries are always expected to happen, however the league was not prepared for this magnitude of injuries sweeping over the league. Notable stars going out early in week one include 49ers All-Pro TE George Kittle who was immediately placed on the Injured Reserve, taking him out for four weeks. Falcons star WR Drake London also had a shoulder injury scare late in their loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. One of the top CBs in the league Christian Gonzalez, was sidelined in week one as well. The 49er’s issues only got worse as starting QB Brock Purdy injured his toe in the win versus the Seattle Seahawks; he was able to finish the game but was ruled out for two to four weeks shortly after suffering that toe injury.

Unfortunately this wouldn’t be enough early injuries for the league as in week two, the problems just got worse. This time, three starting QBs were injured, including Vikings JJ McCarthy with a high right ankle sprain, Commanders Jayden Daniels with an apparent leg injury and Joe Burrow with grade A turf toe, the worst possible condition, leaving the former MVP candidate most likely out for three months.

In week three, Cowboys All-Pro WR Ceedee Lamb suffered an ankle injury, leaving him out for at least two weeks and Bucs veteran WR Mike Evans, who suffered a hamstring injury against the Jets. 49ers All-Pro DE Nick Bosa tore his ACL, taking him out all year long.

Injuries are an unfortunate part of the sport we all love, but they’re something that needs to be crucially addressed. While injuries will always happen, there is something that can be done about them, including changing stadium turf, into normal grass. Artificial turf is proven to aid in injuring players, but owners seem to only be concerned about cutting stadium costs, rather than saving fans from the pain of seeing their favourite player going down.