NFL analyst Ari Meirov says the league should acknowledge recurring injuries, warning that teams may rest healthy stars more often to reach the playoffs. He said this could make regular-season games less appealing to fans.
Meirov said possible explanations for the reported rise in injuries include training-camp changes, playing surfaces, longer schedules and expanded travel. In the 2026 season, Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is facing season-ending surgery and Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is dealing with a dislocated elbow; Caleb Williams, Tua Tagovailoa and Sam Darnold are also among the injured.
The NFL has grown from 16 games to 17 and could eventually reach 18; it has also added more international games and broadcast windows. Meirov said some players already miss practices during the week to rest, and pointed to NBA load management as a possible warning. He cited the Patriots and Seahawks as teams that benefited from entering last season’s playoffs healthy.
