The NFL has seen an unusual surge in injuries among kickers this season, with seven kickers currently on injured reserve. This high number of injuries has led to a carousel of kickers being shuffled around teams, with some players already on their third team of the season.
The increase in injuries can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the rule changes that have resulted in more kickoffs in play. Additionally, the collective increase in leg strength across the league has led to more muscle injuries, as players are attempting longer field goals at a higher rate than in previous seasons.
Teams are now faced with the challenge of managing their kickers’ workloads during the week to prevent injuries. Coaches and special teams coordinators are emphasizing the importance of establishing a routine and being smart about practicing longer kicks to avoid overtaxing the players’ legs.
Despite the challenges and injuries, there have been success stories like Parker Romo, who stepped in for the Vikings and made all of his field goal attempts in a recent game. Romo emphasized the importance of limiting longer reps in practice to ensure readiness when called upon by a team.
Overall, the increase in injuries among kickers this season has highlighted the physical demands of the position and the importance of careful management of players’ workloads to prevent injuries and ensure consistent performance on game day.
