NFL being hit by ACL injuries at alarming rate

No NFL team wants to hear the three letters that often spell doom for a player, but they're being forced to do so more than ever in 2017 with ACL injuries seemingly on the rise.

There have been 20 ACL injuries that require surgery at this stage of the preseason, according to ACL Recovery Club, nearly exceeding the total amount from each of the last three years prior to Week 1, and on pace to surpass the 31 sustained in 2013.

It's an alarming number considering the second week of the preseason is yet to be completed.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill, Seattle Seahawks left tackle George Fant, and New England Patriots defensive end Derek Rivers are among the big names who've already had their 2017 seasons ended due to an ACL injury.

Recovery times for ACL tears have dramatically shortened in recent years, and players like Jordy Nelson have proved that it's possible to return from the injury as good as ever.

However, players are still facing around seven-to-nine months on the sidelines depending on the severity of the injury and the damage to other knee ligaments.

So while the NFL has yet to make any plans to shorten the preseason and reduce the number of reps players are forced to take prior to Week 1, this increase in ACL injuries could force the league to reevaluate its position.