Particle.news
Download on the App Store
12 ARTICLES
·
56m ago

Malik Nabers’ Feared ACL Tear Puts MetLife Turf Under Renewed Scrutiny

Player outrage over artificial turf is intensifying after years of injuries at MetLife despite a 2023 surface upgrade.

Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the New York Giants celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on November 14, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • The Giants’ top receiver hurt his right knee during a 21-18 win over the Chargers, with early reports pointing to a possible season-ending ACL tear pending MRI confirmation.
  • Odell Beckham Jr. urged the NFL on X to “get rid of the turf” and labeled the venue “DeathLife,” reinforcing player calls to move to grass fields.
  • MetLife installed the FieldTurf CORE system before the 2023 season, which stadium leadership promoted as a premier, more forgiving surface.
  • NFL officials point to 2023 data showing similar noncontact lower-extremity injury rates on synthetic and natural fields, contrasting with NFLPA research that says turf carries higher risk.
  • The stadium has seen a notable cluster of major lower-body injuries to stars such as Nick Bosa, Solomon Thomas, Aaron Rodgers and Jaelan Phillips, and as a two-team venue it hosts more games, while reporters caution that attributing any single injury solely to the surface is uncertain.