The 2017 NFL season has seen an injury plague hitting star-studded cast members from many teams across the league. Green Bay Packers’ starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers sustained a broken collarbone after taking a hit from Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr during their October 15^th matchup in Minneapolis. Indianapolis Colt Andrew Luck is still suffering from a shoulder injury suffered last season, and also in the AFC South rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson who was making his case for rookie of the year, suffered a blown ACL in November.

Injuries have been a significant cause for concern in the NFL, most notably the negative effects of CTE that has affected former NFL players like Junior Seau to go as far as to commit suicide. However, this trend does not directly fall in line with the current trend of body injuries that have affected current players.

The injuries have affected star players at every position, Cardinals running back David Johnson and wide receiver poster child Odell Beckham Jr. have both sustained season-ending injuries this year. Three-time defensive player of the year JJ Watt required surgery in October that ended his season. And most recently, MVP candidate quarterback Carson Wentz suffered a torn ACL, a heavy blow to the historic season of the Philadelphia Eagles.

These injuries are not only detrimental to the teams of these players but also is a contributor to the dip in NFL ratings. Fans of the sport enjoy watching the best players at each position dazzle on the field, and when a top quarterback, top receiver, and top defensive end are all injured for a good portion of the year, it will lead to some disappointment.

Injuries are a part of the game, but the caliber of injuries in recent years is a cause for concern for the NFL. The league is likely looking at solutions for this issue but it is unlikely they will be able to do anything to reduce these injuries as football at its core is basically a combat sport.