Packers QB Aaron Rodgers calls for return to natural grass fields

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has said the NFL must consider a return to all-natural grass fields to reduce non-contact injuries.

“As much as I’ve enjoyed playing indoors over the years on turf, I do think it’s time to play on grass,” Rodgers said. “I think you’d see less of these non-contact injuries.”

The 38-year-old maintained that the league must look into the risks of non-contact injuries if it cared about the well-being of its players. Packers linebacker Rashan Gary sustained a torn ACL on the artificial turf of Ford Field in a game against the Detroit Lions. The Packers have confirmed that Gary will be out for the rest of the season.

Coach Matt LaFleur described Gary’s injury as a “tremendous loss” for the team. The linebacker is one of the highest record holders among Green Bay’s defensive players, with six sacks and 31 pressures.

Rodgers is not the only NFL figure voicing concerns over artificial turfs. New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley told reporters he understood why veteran players had complained about non-natural turfs. However, he added that the decision to an all-natural return would be out of his control, so he would just continue to “perform at a high level.”

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll also urged the NFL to evaluate the safety of artificial turfs. Carroll insisted that the league needed to “do what’s safest for the players.” His comment came following a knee injury in one of DK Metcalf’s knees.

Seattle safety Quandre Diggs said natural grass was “so much better,” but he also acknowledged that it was more difficult to maintain a natural grass field.

Rodgers said it was doubtful that the NFL would switch from artificial turf anytime soon. It will have to spend millions of dollars to change artificial grass to its natural counterpart. It would also require additional millions for the upkeep.