MetLife Stadium’s FieldTurf Core surface is again under fire after Malik Nabers’ season-ending knee injury, fueling the ongoing turf-vs-grass debate that NFL players and the NFLPA have pressed for years. A growing chorus argues turf surfaces heighten lower-extremity risk, especially for injured players weighing whether to play. The NFLPA has highlighted grass as preferred by most players, and while MetLife upgraded in 2023, no surface change is on the NFL’s horizon.

The issue isn’t isolated. Nabers follows a string of major knee or Achilles injuries at MetLife since 2020, including Rodgers, Phillips, Robinson, Shepard, Peppers, and Beckham’s 2017 ankle scare, all amplifying concerns about the field’s safety profile. Cincinnati’s Burrow suffered turf-related toe trauma at Paycor Stadium, a FieldTurf Core adopter in 2024, underscoring that turf injuries cross teams and eras.

NYG and the broader league are watching: the Giants’ WR depth will be tested, the Jets weigh play-through-versus-rest, and decision-makers weigh turf realities against home-field dynamics. While the NFL remains unmoved on MetLife, the activism around safer surfaces is unlikely to fade soon.

Miami’s defense answered the bell with a violent ball-security focus, turning the Jets’ opening push into a trio of fumbles and a pivotal early turnover. Jack Jones sparked the night with a forcing punch on Braelon Allen, while Tyrel Dodson, Jaelan Phillips and Dante Trader Jr. piled on with takeaways. Weaver’s scheme and drills paid off, even as the run defense showed vulnerabilities. The win sets up a fast-start challenge against Carolina while the unit eyes more disruption and improved frontline play.

Tyreek Hill’s season-ending injury forces the Dolphins to reinvent their plan against Carolina. Expect Tua Tagovailoa to lean on Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane and Darren Waller, while the run game takes on a larger, more patient role. Miami’s special teams and third-down efficiency could swing the result in a close game as Miami reshapes its weapon set without Hill.

The defense faces a test from Carolina’s ground attack, and the offensive line reshuffle at right guard adds uncertainty in the run game. Fantasy managers should chase the new movers in Miami’s offense and monitor how the Dolphins leverage Waller and the backfield in a run-heavy script that could define the weeks ahead.