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After Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid said the loose turf was the result of cornerback Trent McDuffie’s hamstring injury and kicker Harrison Booker’s ankle injury during Sunday’s game After one factor, the Arizona Cardinals defended State Farm Stadium.
“The whole venue is on Monday, August 22nd – the second after the last home game of the preseason against Baltimore. Day — was replaced, so it’s nearly three full weeks before the first week against Kansas City,” Cardinals spokesman Mark Dalton told ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio. “For Tifway Bermuda 419 hybrid turf, this is more than enough rooting, especially at 109 degrees and full sun.”
Dalton also pointed to the stadium record.
“The National Farm Stadium field is often ranked as the best – if not the best – among NFL players, Included in the investigation conducted by the NFLPA,” he added. “Like all venues, the State Farm Stadium field has gone through the NFL-mandated testing and certification process before and after the game. On Sunday, it not only met but exceeded those standards.”
After Reid told reporters the turf was “a little loose” and “part of the injury to Butke and McDuffie…the turf picked up, I’ll tell You, do have something to do with it. If not, I’ll tell you too. So it’s not an excuse by any means, but I mean, y’all can see it. Watch the tape.”
Kansas City placed McDuffie on injury reserve, meaning he will miss the next four games.
It’s a tough blow, as the Chiefs will play the Los Angeles Chargers and Russ for the next four games The Vegas Raiders face their opponents in the AFC West. They also played against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during that time, which means the defense will be tested.
Butker’s injury is a story Kansas City turned to safety Justin Reed to handle kicking duties after he pulled out of the game. He tried in a 44-21 victory.
This season’s Super Bowl will be at State Farm Stadium, so any potential turf issues will be an issue as the season progresses enlarge. The Cardinals, however, felt that it met the criteria for a Week 1 game.
