The Minnesota Vikings have suffered a number of significant injuries this season. Notable among them are their star quarterback Kirk Cousins and star receiver Justin Jefferson. While Jefferson returned to the game, he was out for the duration of the season. While the turf at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Vikings’ home stadium, is not solely to blame for these injuries, the turf will be replaced this coming season.
The Vikings are switching from a slit-film grass to a monofilament surface after collecting more injury data regarding turf and how it affects player injuries. This season, The Vikings superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson suffered a non-contact hamstring injury on the U.S. Bank Stadium grass during a Week 5 game against the Colts. Only a few weeks later, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle complained about the stadium turf after his game, saying:
“it’s very springy, but it’s basically cement.”
Clearly, Jefferson’s injury is reason enough to replace the turf, but after collecting injury data, the Vikings have decided to proceed with the costly job of installing new turf for next season.
The Minnesota Vikings Are Replacing Their Field Turf
Will Ragatz of Sports Illustrated just wrote on all the details for this turf makeover for next year, as well as some of the reasons Minnesota is proceeding with the costly project. Ragatz Composes:
“The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority approved a $1.3 million bid from Texas-based company Act Global for the turf replacement project at its latest meeting on Thursday.”
Obviously, NFL teams have a lot of cash on hand, but this is a very steep price to pay to modify the grass in the future. The Vikings definitely have enough data to make this seem like a worthwhile investment for their players, but also for all of the players that will come play there during the season. He goes on to say:
The Vikings investigated the possibility of constructing a grass field at the stadium but determined that it was not feasible owing to its multifunctional use.
Clearly, the Vikings conducted extensive research into this move, and it would be very helpful for other teams to follow in their footsteps to guarantee that the fields at each stadium are as safe as possible for players. He goes on to say that the Vikings will also be changing their indoor practice grass. After a year of too many significant injuries, they are taking their playing health very seriously.
The Vikings are shifting their territory.
Here’s my question: Why hasn’t the NFL demanded on the Colts also switching out their turf? I inquire because the NFL and its owners insist on holding the Combine in Indianapolis every year…. How many prospects have been harmed on that dreadful turf during the combine?
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