3 changes the NFL could make to limit injuries in preseason games
Though no one seems to like the NFL's four-game preseason schedule, it's not going anywhere soon - but that doesn't mean it can't be modified.
With the league surely getting a scare that one of its most exciting players could miss time due to a questionable hit in a virtually meaningless game, it's time to take some precautions to ensure guys like Odell Beckham Jr. don't miss regular-season action.
Assuming the preseason can't be eliminated entirely (which would be most fans' preference), we take a look at three changes that could help cut down on injuries in the preseason.
Wrap tackling only
If you don't know how to tackle by the time you get to the NFL, you're never going to get it.
This may lead to a world that fans who love the bang-and-smash physical side of football are afraid of, but it's about time to face reality. If injuries are going to be curtailed and player safety is to be taken seriously, tackling needs to be scaled back, especially during summer games.
Players are accustomed to wrap tackling from hundreds of scrimmage reps in practice, and it wouldn't be difficult to add some more specified rules for preseason contests.
Designated playing times
Part of the issue with the hit Beckham took was that Browns cornerback Briean Boddy-Calhoun had much more on the line in that contest than the Giants star. Boddy-Calhoun was trying to move up the depth chart and secure a spot in the starting lineup, while Beckham could have dropped every pass thrown his way and still be the Giants' top receiver.
If the players competing for roster spots were forced to only play against one another, their level of effort and physicality would theoretically match up better. So players who had enough starts the previous season would only face others who also have a similarly secured roster spot, while rookies, former practice squad players, and veterans who haven't seen the field can battle one another.
It certainly wouldn't eliminate injuries altogether, especially for the players competing for roster spots, but for the stars who people pay to watch, the change would be relieving. Veteran players know the difference between playing at a preseason speed and balling out.
Limited snap counts
Instead of letting coaches determine who plays for how long, forcing a pre-determined limit to how often certain players can see the field would keep teams from overexposing themselves to risk in the preseason.
Similar to how players could be divided for the above purpose of playing against equal competition, a limit on total snap counts could be imposed on players based on how many years they've played, how many starts they made the year before, or even how much money they earn.
There are plenty of players who need preseason snaps to improve and stake a claim for a roster spot, so instead of punishing them by taking away the preseason altogether, make it a mandate that they are the ones playing - not the guys who are bringing in the big bucks.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)