NFL training camps have brought a growing list of injuries, prompting questions about how players prepare for the season. The league has reduced contact and limited practice time compared with previous eras, but the injuries are still a point of concern.
Former NFL executive and ESPN analyst Louis Riddick believes that change deserves closer attention as teams move toward the regular season.
Louis Riddick Warns Reduced Practice Time Could Be Linked to Injuries
Riddick raised concerns about the NFL’s current approach to offseason preparation during an appearance on “Get Up”. He revealed that conversations with NFL trainers have led him to question whether players get enough football-specific work before training camp begins.
“I have some really, really highly qualified trainer friends in the National Football League,” Riddick said. “We’ve had this discussion as far as how players are training in the offseason.”
Riddick pointed specifically to the reduction in football activities compared with previous years. He said players now spend less time actually practicing football before reporting to camp.
“The time to actually play football has really been cut down,” Riddick added. “The time to practice football has really been cut down.”
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This creates a potential issue when players transition into training camp, according to Riddick. He said players can be placed into demanding football situations without the same buildup that existed in previous eras.
“Guys are thrown right into the fire in training camp and then the season,” Riddick said.
The comments came during a discussion about the number of injuries reported during training camp. Some of the notable players who have gotten hurt in the training camp so far are Nick Bosa, Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, Makai Lemon, Nic Scourton, Cade Mays, and Laremy Tunsil.
NFL insider Adam Schefter noted that it appeared as though a significant injury was occurring almost every day, even before preseason games began.
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Riddick did not claim that reduced practice time is definitely causing more injuries. Instead, he said the league should examine whether there is a connection.
“I think it’s something that they need to look at, though, because it does seem a little bit more prevalent now than it was in the past,” Riddick said. “Maybe we just draw more attention to it now because we cover a lot more, but it just seems as though, God, I mean, every single day somebody is going down.”
He also acknowledged that increased NFL coverage could influence how frequently injuries are noticed by the public.
“Again, we talk about it a whole lot more,” Riddick said. “The coverage on the NFL is a lot more white-hot all the time, but, man, it just catches your attention for sure.”
Riddick also stressed that the perception needs to be backed by evidence. He said, “We need to see the numbers.”
The issue could become more important if the NFL reduces preseason games while adding another regular-season game. Riddick’s concern ultimately centers on whether the current offseason program gives players enough football-specific preparation before they face the full demands of an NFL season.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.