Rams’ Tyler Higbee’s ACL Tear Injury Reignited NFL Grass Vs Turf Debate?

Tyler Higbee, a well-known tight end for the Los Angeles Rams, sustained an ACL and perhaps an MCL injury during a playoff game against the Detroit Lions. The incident, which happened on Ford Field’s artificial turf, has sparked discussions on the relative safety of artificial turf versus NFL grass fields.

Rams’ Tyler Higbee’s ACL Tear Injury Reignited NFL Grass Vs Turf Debate?

Lions safety Kerby Joseph, who suffered his second ACL tear of the season, defended his on-field technique and struck Higbee low. Joseph gave Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson the same injury, but he said, “I have no intention to hurt anybody or harm their career.”

You know, Higbee was hurt on the artificial grass at Ford Field, which gave him no give when his plant foot received a hard blow.

But the discussion didn’t pick back up.

Instead, the injury sparked controversy as Rams players called Lions players nasty for the hit and subsequent injury, which will probably prevent Higbee from playing in the 2024 season opener.

Dr. Chao, an OutKick contributor, is now viewing the article on the Dallas Cowboys’ home stadium, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, hosting the 2026 World Cup Final.

Furthermore, he anticipates that the NFLPA and analysts would exploit the FIFA World Cup championship game to support their position that grass must be utilized in NFL stadiums.

Although some have criticized Jones for switching to grass for other sporting events, arguing that NFL owners could do the same if they were driven enough, Dr. Chao outlines the rationale for the choices.

Significant factors include weather patterns, stadium architecture, and the varying amounts of wear and tear that each sport places on the field. He goes on to say that grass fields are not intended for stadiums like MetLife, and the weather there also wouldn’t be ideal for grass.

https://twitter.com/zachlikessportz/status/1746331135989461417

Moreover, grass fields might not hold up as well later in the season due to different wear and tear from football games than from soccer matches, creating other problems such uneven surface conditions.

“It’s not like you can put in grass and host two games in a row, per se,” Dr. Chao said. “You need lead time to put in the grass. And these stadiums weren’t designed for it. You’re not scrapping MetLife Stadium.

“MetLife Stadium cannot host two teams and have grass with their weather and the fact the stadium wasn’t designed to roll in grass. How are you going to do it? It’s too late.”

In summary, Tyler Higbee’s injury has caused more than simply worry for the athlete. It has spurred discussions and disputes on a broad range of topics, including player safety, sportsmanship, and the operational sides of the sports business.

The expectation of a rekindled discussion over grass types and their effects on players and the game itself is growing as the countdown to the 2026 World Cup Final approaches.

 

FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE- 

Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Reveals Why They Aren’t Firing Mike McCarthy