2013 Increase in NFL Injuries

At this point in the 2013 season, there are 170 players on the injured reserve list in the NFL, 38 more than last season. With all the new NFL policies on injuries, specifically head injuries, and promoting player safety, one would assume that there should be a decrease in overall injures. So why the sudden increase in injuries this year? I have a few theories…

New tackling?

Over the past few seasons, NFL players have been fined substantially and even suspended for helmet-to-helmet hits. On Aug. 29, the NFL reached a $765 million dollar settlement with 4,500 former players over concussion lawsuits. The league has taken a stand against concussions and is trying to avoid them at all costs. As a result, many defenders have begun tackling lower on the body – perhaps even too low. This new form of tackling low places players at increased risk for various lower extremity injuries including torn ACLs, sprains, strains etc. 
  
Pressured owners/coaches?

Another reason for the increased number of injured athletes is that teams are simply being more cautious with players’ injuries. This is another reflection of the league’s policy on safety. Owners are more likely now to take a star player out of the game than risk a more serious injury by playing the athlete. The $765 million dollar settlement that I mentioned above may have caused the NFL to put some fear into owners and coaches. They are now being extra cautious when dealing with all injuries and are more likely to sit players out when dealing with injuries. Players are also less likely to be rushed back from injury leading them to be placed on IR.

Less Practice Time?

Some people have blamed the increase of injuries on the fact that, under the terms of the CBA that has been in effect the past two off-seasons, players have more off time in the offseason. There was also a decrease in the amount of full pad/full contact practices that are aloud. We know that NFL players keep in shape during the offseason with various weightlifting and other such routines but nothing can compare to live game action and physical impact that occurs during a football game. So in theory the increase in off time leads players to shock their bodies with some of the sudden and dramatic movements players demand their bodies to make, leading to increased soft tissue injures.

                                                           

These are just a few ideas, but the increased number of NFL players on IR has no conclusive explanation. However, it likely has a lot to do with the changing ideas of player safety, and will continue to fluctuate as the league continues its investigation into such matters.

Ryan McDevitt, DPT