Armstead, 49ers blame injuries on MetLife turf
Arik Armstead believes there is a connection between the MetLife Stadium turf and the San Francisco 49ers' injury wrath, and is worried about playing there again in Week 3.
"(It brings) a lot of anxiety," Armstead said Sunday after the 49ers defeated the New York Jets, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. "We see guys you love go down and get hurt and we've got to come back here and play again on the same surface, and that's anxiety-provoking, to see that happen and know you have to do it again."
The 49ers lost four starters to knee or ankle injuries against the Jets and will return to MetLife Stadium in one week to face the New York Giants.
MetLife Stadium had new turf installed over the summer. Prior to Week 2, the Jets and Giants had scrimmaged on the new field while the Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers played a competitive game on it in Week 1.
"I know that's as many knee injuries and ankle stuff and people getting caught on the turf as I have ever been a part of," 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said. "From what I saw, the other team did, too. I know our players talked about it the entire game, just how sticky the turf was ... It was something our guys were concerned about right away and the results definitely made that a lot stronger."
49ers injured at MetLife Stadium
| Player | Position | Diagnosis (reported) |
|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Garoppolo | QB | Ankle sprain |
| Nick Bosa | DE | ACL tear |
| Raheem Mostert | RB | MCL sprain |
| Solomon Thomas | DT | TBD |
The 49ers were already banged up entering the second game of the year and were without Richard Sherman, George Kittle, Dee Ford, and Deebo Samuel for their first win.
I’ve been texting with players on the 49ers and some of them are both afraid and anxious about playing on the turf again here at Metlife next week against the Giants
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) September 20, 2020