NFLPA asking teams to change all fields to natural grass

Fifteen NFL teams play their home games on artificial turf. Cleveland Browns center JC Tretter wants to see that number reduced to zero.

The NFL Players Association president cited the league’s official injury reports from 2012-2018 to state his case that natural grass fields provide a much lower risk for injuries, compared to artificial surfaces, during practices and games.

The analysis shows that players have a 28% overall higher rate of non-contact lower extremity injuries on turf. Non-contact knee injuries occur at a 32% higher clip and non-contact foot or ankle injuries are 69% percent more likely on artificial fields.

“The data stands out and the numbers are staggering in the difference in injury rate,” Tretter said Wednesday. “We all should be working toward the safest style of play, and we know the dangers of playing on turf.

“It’s not good for players, it’s not good for the GMs and the head coaches, it’s not good for the owners and it’s not good for the fans. Increased injuries are not good for anybody.”

Tretter, who detailed the data in his monthly newsletter to union members, spoke extensively on the subject before Cleveland’s afternoon practice at its suburban training facility.

The seven-year veteran was elected NFLPA president on March 10 after winning a three-way election over Michael Thomas of the Giants and Sam Acho of the Buccaneers. He has strongly advocated for player safety while maintaining a diplomatic approach.

“Anecdotally, I know how my body responds playing on turf versus grass,” said Tretter, who graduated from Cornell University. “The data backs that up, which was my main reason for writing it. It’s something that from here on out, I think we need to make a priority.”

The subject of field safety moved to the forefront in Week 2 when San Francisco standout Nick Bosa and teammate Solomon Thomas both suffered season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligaments in a road win over the New York Jets. Several 49ers players described the synthetic turf at MetLife Stadium as “sticky,” prompting NFL representatives to inspect — and confirm the quality of — the field before the team returned in Week 3 to play the Giants.

“Until we can find a way to get synthetic turf to respond and react like natural grass, it’s too much of a danger to continue to play on and expect different results,” Tretter said. “It’s possible to get grass in every location, and it’s about pushing for that.”

The 6-foot-4, 307-pounder noted that natural fields are used in cold-weather markets like Cleveland (FirstEnergy Stadium), Green Bay (Lambeau Field) and Pittsburgh (Heinz Field), in addition to enclosed stadiums in Arizona (State Farm Stadium) and Las Vegas (Allegiant Stadium).

Seventeen NFL teams play their home games on grass, while 15 franchises do so on artificial turf. The latter includes the Rams and Chargers, who share SoFi Stadium, and the co-owners Giants and Jets in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

“You add in the increase in injury rate, just based on how synthetic turf is built and grass’ ability to tear away and release your ankles or your knees from compromised situations,” Tretter said. “When you put so much force and so much torque in the ground, eventually something has to give. When you’re on turf, it’s going to be your joint.”

Before any surface is deemed playable, the NFL uses the Clegg Impact Tester to determine if the field is too hard but does not measure other safety factors. The players association has a committee of engineers developing a more comprehensive method.

In his new role, Tretter says lobbying for grass fields will be a key talking point in any labor negotiations with the league.

“If we know grass is significantly more safe than synthetic turf, it’s about continuing to push forward and making it a priority,” Tretter said. “This is about continuing to push to provide us with the safest work environment possible. Player safety will always be a priority for us and for the union.”

Chiefs potentially down two more defensive starters vs. Pats

The Kansas City Chiefs learned shortly before kickoff last week that offensive lineman Andrew Wylie had been taken to the hospital for a suspected case of appendicitis, leaving them even more short-handed for a high-profile Monday night matchup with the Baltimore Ravens.

Mike Remmers stepped into the lineup and the Chiefs' sizzling offense never missed a beat.

Every team goes through injuries during the season — some have more than others, some have more crucial injuries than others. But in just three games this season, the reigning Super Bowl champions already have shown an uncanny ability to overcome them, whether it's an offensive lineman or one of the many pieces missing from their secondary.

“You know, football, things happen all the time,” said Chiefs safety Juan Thornhill, who sustained a season-ending knee injury a year ago. “Guys get hurt. Guys get in trouble. We have that next-guy-up mentality. Coaches are always talking about how everyone is a starter on our defense because you never know when your time is going to come.”

The latest injuries are potentially big blows to the Kansas City defense ahead of yet another marquee matchup against the New England Patriots on Sunday. Rookie cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, who already has a pair of interceptions, had surgery for the collarbone he broke in Baltimore and will miss the game, while defensive tackle Chris Jones — who leads the AFC with 3 1/2 sacks — could be a game-time decision because of a lingering groin injury.

The defensive backfield in particular has shown plenty of resilience this season.

One of the starters, Bashaud Breeland, will be wrapping up his four-game suspension on Sunday for violating the NFL's policy on substance abuse. The other, Charvarius Ward, returned last week with a cast on his hand from a fracture that had kept him out the previous week. And a backup, Antonio Hamilton, has dealt with a tweaked hamstring.

That has left Rashad Fenton, a sixth-round pick last year, and Bopete Keyes, a seventh-rounder this year, as the only truly healthy cornerbacks on the roster. They do have Chris Lammons, Rodney Clemons and Lavert Hill on the practice squad.

“The guys have been diligent with it, the guys that have been backup players and they're now playing,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “So easy for a relief pitcher to back up and say, ‘Oh, we’ll be fine.' But these guys have jumped into it, and I think the coaches have done a good job rotating guys back there, trying to get everybody in.”

All those various combinations have paid off. Last week, the Chiefs held Lamar Jackson to just 15 of 28 passing for 97 yards, turning the potent Baltimore offense into a one-dimensional run-only attack. And through their first three games, the Chiefs rank fourth in the league against the pass.

“I think when guys go down, we've been trained for those situations,” Chiefs left tackle Eric Fisher said. “It's not the first time. Something happens before the game, it doesn't matter. When someone goes down, we don't expect a drop off.”

Gruden: Raiders players made 'mistake' not wearing masks

Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden said several of his players made a mistake when they didn’t wear masks or practice social distancing during a charity event that violated league and local COVID-19 rules.

About 10 players attended the fundraising event held Monday night by teammate Darren Waller’s foundation to raise money intended to help young people overcome drug and alcohol addiction.

Players were seen on video without masks during the indoor event while talking and mingling with guests, who also weren’t wearing masks.

“We’ve done a good job, done an excellent job,” Gruden said Wednesday. “Last night, it was addressed with our players. They walked in with their masks on. Sometimes you go to a restaurant and take your mask off. They’re aware of their mistake. But we’ve done an excellent job of using our manners, taking proper care of each other.”

This is the latest possible infraction of the COVID-19 protocols by the Raiders early this season. A person familiar with the punishments said Gruden was fined $100,000 and the team fined $250,000 because he failed to wear his mask properly on the sideline during a Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the league hadn’t made any announcement.

The team is also being investigated for allowing an unauthorized team employee into the locker room after the Saints game.

Among the players in attendance were quarterbacks Derek Carr and Nathan Peterman, tight ends Jason Witten, Foster Moreau and Derek Carrier, receiver Zay Jones, cornerback Nevin Lawson, and Waller.

“I feel like one, we’ve done a fantastic job around here,” Carr said. “I hate that a few moments without our masks on led to a story about our team and all this kind of stuff, especially after the fines that were brought on a couple weeks ago. We felt terrible about that. We addressed it. We talked with coach and we talked with our trainers about what really went down and all that kind of stuff.”

The city of Henderson fined the DragonRidge Country Club $2,000 on Tuesday for four violations of the Nevada governor’s COVID-19 emergency directives, including people not wearing masks and more than 50 people at the event. The club has 30 days to pay the fine or dispute it.

Rules from the NFL and NFLPA limit what players are allowed to do away from team facilities this season to try to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Players are banned from attending any event that “violates local and state restrictions.”

The NFL said it is looking into the events from Monday night, which came hours before the Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings had to suspend in-person activities because three Titans players and five personnel tested positive for the coronavirus following a game between the teams Sunday.

Gruden revealed a few weeks ago that he had the coronavirus in the offseason.

“We all understand that this is a terrible, terrible virus and we have to do our part," he said. “We’re all vulnerable. Unfortunately, it sounds like a few people got the virus. I just wish the best for everybody in Tennessee. It does certainly get yourself awakened to the reality that it can hit anybody, anywhere at any time.”

Carr declined to answer any questions about the event but said he hopes it doesn’t overshadow the good that came from the fundraiser that Gruden said brought in $300,000 for Waller’s cause.

“We weren’t perfect, but we were trying our best,” Carr said. “We weren’t trying to be careless or reckless. But at the same time, Darren Waller had an event for something that meant a lot to him and they raised so much money that you won’t even begin to imagine how much money they raised to help other people that struggle with addiction, to get them in the right places and things like that.”

NFL threatening suspensions for maskless sideline personnel

The NFL is threatening teams with possible suspensions for sideline personnel, including coaches, who do not properly wear face coverings during the pandemic.

Forfeiting draft picks also could be among disciplinary measures for failing to comply with league/players' union protocols.

In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, Troy Vincent, who oversees NFL football operations, told the 32 teams Wednesday that “accountability” is required on the sidelines.

“We will continue to address lack of compliance with accountability measures that may also include suspensions of persons involved, and/or the forfeiture of a draft choice(s),” Vincent wrote.

“As you know, the game-day protocols agreed to with the NFLPA require that coaches and other non-player personnel wear appropriate face coverings at all times on the field and in the coaches’ booths. ... While we saw significant progress in Week 3 with compliance from club personnel, wearing of protective equipment is still not universal, and this lack of compliance creates unnecessary risk to game-day participants.”

The NFL has fined several coaches $100,000 for lack of compliance, including Sean Payton of New Orleans and Jon Gruden of Las Vegas, who both have said they contracted and recovered from the coronavirus. Teams were fined $250,000.

But there still have been more instances of coaches and sideline personnel either wearing the masks or gaiters improperly or basically using them as scarves rather than as protective gear.

And with the league now dealing with its first outbreak of the coronavirus — four players and five other members of the Tennessee Titans have tested positive — adhering to protocols is a must.

Vincent's latest memo should get the attention of all 32 teams, none of which want to see a member of the coaching staff suspended for a game — or more. Nor do the teams covet losing draft picks.

If fines don't work, though, the NFL is adamant about more strict discipline.

“Both our own and independent medical advisors have emphasized the need to remain vigilant and disciplined in following the processes and protocols put in place by agreement with the NFLPA as well as by state and local governments,” Vincent wrote. “We are only through Week 3 of the season. If we are to play a full and uninterrupted season, we all must remain committed to our efforts to mitigate the risk of transmission of the virus.

“Inconsistent adherence to health and safety protocols, such as wearing face coverings and observing physical distancing requirements, will put the 2020 season at risk. A failure to adhere to the negotiated protocols or to government directives can have an adverse impact on both other players or staff members of your club, and of other clubs as well. Selective or inconsistent compliance threatens to undermine fan confidence in our health and safety protocols and the competitive fairness and integrity of the NFL season.”

Foles gets a chance to show he's more than a good backup

Coach Matt Nagy sensed the calm in Nick Foles as the veteran quarterback led the Chicago Bears to another comeback victory last week.

It struck him right before the go-ahead touchdown pass to Anthony Miller at Atlanta. Foles made an adjustment in the huddle to account for a blitz, then dropped back out of the shotgun on third down and hit his target in stride on a post route.

“He just was kind of in his own zone, and I could just tell, like, not to mess with him,” Nagy said Wednesday. “Just let him go, he’s in a good place right now.”

Foles gets another chance to show he's more than just a good arm out of the bullpen when the Bears host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Super Bowl 52 MVP took over for Mitchell Trubisky in the third quarter last week and threw three touchdowns in the fourth as the Bears erased a 16-point deficit on the way to a 30-26 victory.

The Bears announced he is their No. 1 quarterback. And he'll make his first start since Week 13 last season with Jacksonville.

“I feel really comfortable," Foles said. "And I think that going in this week, there have been a lot of great conversations. Even last game, I felt more of myself when I stepped into that situation just playing and getting to just do things that I like to do in a chaotic situation.”

Foles has been everything from a starter to a castoff over nine seasons with five teams.

He moved into the top spot with Philadelphia in 2017 after Carson Wentz suffered a season-ending injury and wound up leading the Eagles to their first Super Bowl title. Foles was the MVP in the biggest game of all — a 41-33 victory over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

He returned to a backup role behind Wentz in 2018. He then signed a big contract with Jacksonville, only to lose his starting job to rookie Gardner Minshew in an injury-filled season. His wife also had a miscarriage in May 2019.

“You get an opportunity to instill confidence and calmness with your teammates and your coaches in a chaotic moment, and that’s just something throughout the years, going through trials, going through tough times, it’s just equipped,” he said.

"It’s never fun to go through those tough times, but it’s a big reason why stepping into those moments I just don’t worry about it too much. I just go out there and be fearless as much as I can be.”

The Bears acquired Foles for a fourth-round pick from the Jaguars in the offseason to compete with Trubisky, the No. 2 pick in the 2017 draft. Foles' knowledge of the system and history with Nagy and offensive coordinator Bill Lazor were also factors.

Nagy decided to make the switch last week after Trubisky got intercepted by Blidi Wreh-Wilson. But he was also annoyed by the Bears' struggles to score.

Now 31, Foles gets another chance to show he's more than just a good backup. He's looking forward to it.

There will be another familiar face in the stadium, too. Colts coach Frank Reich was Philadelphia's offensive coordinator during the Super Bowl season, and they remain tight.

“He was the one who really figured me out as a player and realized that we had it all wrong and they just threw some plays out there one day and said just go play these plays, we studied you and these are the plays you do,” Foles said. “And sure enough something triggered inside of me.”

Saints receiver Thomas back at practice after two missed games

Saints top receiver Michael Thomas returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since injuring his ankle in New Orleans' season-opening victory over Tampa Bay on Sept. 13.

While Saints coach Sean Payton has yet to say if Thomas is on schedule to play this Sunday at Detroit, the fifth-year receiver ran through drills with a noticeable bounce in his step during the brief portion of practice open to reporters.

When he was running passing routes, Thomas sprinted off the line of scrimmage and cut hard laterally in either direction. In between, he often danced to the music amplified throughout the Saints’ indoor field.

“He looked good. He looked really good,” quarterback Drew Brees said after practice. “He’s a guy who has never missed time, who is always fighting through things throughout the season, but, man, such a tough guy and a great competitor.

“So, (it’s) great to get him back,” Brees continued. “We’ll see what that role is and go from there.”

Officially, Thomas was listed as limited in practice.

“He’s been itching to play. If it was up to him, he would have tried to play the last two weeks,” Saints running back Alvin Kamara said. “He looked good out there, so hopefully he feels ready enough to play.”

The Saints have lost both games Thomas has missed, falling to 1-2 and into second place in the NFC South Division, which New Orleans is trying to win for a fourth straight season.

“Obviously his presence is a difference because at any moment he can make big plays and he’s obviously a featured guy,” said Brees, who has posted the two best single-season completion rates in NFL history — 74.4% and 74.3% — during Thomas' two All-Pro seasons in 2018 and 2019.

Thomas set an NFL single-season record in 2019 with 149 catches. His 1,725 yards receiving led the Saints last season, while his nine touchdowns receiving tied for the team lead with Kamara.

That kind of production can be difficult to replicate when Thomas leaves the lineup, particularly in the short term, Brees explained.

“It’ time on task," Brees said. “It’s that rhythm. It’s that trust, just that familiarity.”

Thomas' injury occurred when running back Latavius Murray was tackled into the back of his lower legs by Tampa Bay defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. late in the fourth quarter of the Saints' 34-23 victory in Week 1.

Before the injury, Thomas had just three catches, his fewest in a game since the fifth game of the 2017 season, which was also a career single-game low.

Thomas was not among selected players available for media interviews via video conference on Wednesday.

Two other starters did not practice: tight end Jared Cook, who injured his groin during a loss to Green Bay on Sunday night, and left guard Andrus Peat, who sprained his ankle in that game when Kamara was tackled into the back of his lower legs.

Washington's Young misses practice, may not play vs. Ravens

Rookie edge rusher Chase Young could miss Washington's game Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, and perhaps more, after suffering a groin injury in a Week 3 loss at Cleveland.

Young, the No. 2 overall pick, did not practice Wednesday. He instead spent time working out to the side and riding a stationary bicycle.

NFL Network reported Washington considers Young week to week with a “moderate groin strain.” But defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said it was too early to make a decision about Young's status for the Ravens game.

“We’ll see how the week goes with Chase,” said Del Rio, who ran Wednesday’s practice for head coach Ron Rivera while Rivera received treatment for a form of skin cancer.

“To me, we’ve got time. To make declarations early in the week doesn’t serve anyone’s purpose. So we’ll see how that goes as we progress through the week. Beyond that, you’re getting the next guys up and ready to go.”

Young left in the second quarter of the 34-20 loss to the Browns. After the game, he tweeted that his injury was “nothing major tho (sic) … I’ll be back.”

Young has so far lived up to the expectations of being the No. 2 pick. He has 2 1/2 sacks, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble in his first two games.

“Chase is a high-level-energy guy out there," Rivera said Sunday. “He’s a guy who helps spark the organization.”

It marks the second day of injury news for Washington’s defensive linemen. On Tuesday, it placed 2019 sack leader Matt Ioannidis on injured reserve with a bicep tear that took the defensive tackle out of the Browns game.

Ioannidis began the season with a 1 1/2-sack performance against Philadelphia after finishing the past two seasons with 8 1/2 and 7 1/2 sacks, respectively.

If Young isn't available to play against the Ravens, veteran Ryan Kerrigan will be expected to take on an increased role, as well as some younger reserves.

One candidate is rookie defensive lineman James Smith-Williams, a seventh-round draft pick who was inactive in Week 3 and played a handful of snaps in the two games before that.

Tackle Morgan Moses (groin), linebacker Cole Holcomb (knee), defensive end Ryan Anderson (ankle) and receivers Dontrelle Inman (wrist) and Steven Sims Jr. (toe) also missed practice Wednesday.