Obviously it is not always possible to perform while injured or avoid making a problem worse by playing, but too often we see players attempt to play when they shouldn't. Sometimes they don't make the injury worse, but are less effective because of it. I have seen players try to come back in a game, then later have to go out again. We are also seeing one player start and another with the same injury who plays the same position ruled out. How do teams decide whether an injured player should play? Do the players need more time off than they are getting? I wonder if some orthopedic injuries should be treated like concussions to prevent a lifetime of joint problems.

 

On the flip side, do players take plays or games off when they don't need to just because something hurts? Do they really need to be out "as a precaution"? Are some of them only out because the game is a blowout?

 

Then there is the issue of getting off the field: a cart, assisted walking, and limping. Players with the same injury are doing all of that. Should trainers try to expedite going to the sideline for shorter game delays?

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