In the push and pull over whether NFL fields will be covered with high-quality grass, a global solution is possible, albeit unlikely, through collective bargaining. For now, the decisions will be made one team at a time — especially as new stadiums are built.
The Bills decided to convert from turf to grass in their new stadium. The Chiefs, who are in the process of building a new domed stadium in Kansas, prefer to continue to play on grass, but no decision has been made.
The Browns are also building a covered stadium, in suburban Brook Park. They currently play on grass. Per the team, the Browns will play on artificial turf in the new stadium.
That said, the new stadium will have the ability to accommodate grass, which happens most often when a venue hosts soccer matches. Which means that, in theory, the artificial turf for NFL games could eventually be swapped out for grass.
For now, the plan is artificial turf. Which will tip the current 16-16 balance of teams playing homes games on real grass and fake grass toward turf, 17-15.
Unless, of course, owners of teams that play on turf decide to switch to grass. Starting with the incoming owners of the Seahawks, possibly.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid continues to see positive signs from Patrick Mahomes in the quarterback’s recovery from a torn ACL.
Reid said on Saturday that Mahomes has been doing a great job since training camp started.
“He’s really doing everything that he normally does and doing it well. So, we’re happy with that,” Reid told ESPN’s Dan Graziano. “We know he’s still progressing through it. But he sure looks sharp out here.”
Reid has continued to say that he’s letting Kansas City’s doctors and medical staff guide him when it comes to Mahomes’ practice participation, if he’ll play in a preseason game, and the quarterback’s availability for Week 1.
“As long as he’s safe, that’s what we’re looking at. So, right now, for what we’re doing, he’s safe to roll,” Reid said.
Reid has not said one way or another whether or not Mahomes will play in a preseason game. The Chiefs will host the Rams on Saturday, Aug. 15, play the Buccaneers on the road on Saturday, Aug. 22, and finish the preseason by hosting the Seahawks on Friday, Aug. 28.
Chiefs rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen appears to have avoided a serious injury on Saturday.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Allen has been diagnosed with a shin bruise. Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star reports that the team considers him day-to-day.
Allen had to be carted off the field after getting hurt, so the minor nature of the injury is good news for the rookie. Allen has made a strong early impression in training camp while seeing time with the first team and it sounds like he’ll be able to get back to that role in the near future.
The Chiefs also saw wide receiver Xavier Worthy leave Saturday’s practice with a shoulder injury. There’s been no further update on his condition.
Promising Chiefs rookie receiver Cyrus Allen exited Saturday’s practice on a cart. The injury happened while he was filling the role of gunner on the punt team.
That has prompted some Chiefs fans to question why in the hell Cyrus Allen was serving as a gunner on the punt team.
Chiefs special-teams coordinator Dave Toub addressed the issue in a post-practice press conference with reporters.
“I hate to see somebody get hurt, especially on special teams,” Toub said, via Nate Taylor of ESPN. “He’s doing well on offense and for me, too. He was a gunner and a returner. Everyone is on special teams until they aren’t. Everyone starts as a four-phase guy, especially rookies.”
Toub added that first-round cornerback Mansoor Delane would also be practicing on special teams, but for his shoulder injury. Toub also said that, once upon a time, tight end Travis Kelce practiced on special teams.
It’s another example of the delicate balance of getting a football team ready for the season while keeping the individual players as healthy as possible. If too many players are kept in bubble wrap during August, it becomes difficult to compete in September.
The Chiefs lost a pair of wide receivers to injuries at Saturday’s training camp practice.
Rookie Cyrus Allen was carted off with a lower left leg injury that the team said is still being evaluated and third-year wideout Xavier Worthy had to leave the session with a shoulder injury. The extent of that injury is also under evaluation.
Worthy missed time early last season after dislocating his shoulder and finished the year with 42 catches for 532 yards and a touchdown.
Wide receiver was already seen as a spot where the Chiefs might look to bolster the ranks ahead of the regular season. If either of Saturday’s injuries lead to long-term absences, it will increase the urgency to make a move in Kansas City.
