NFL's preseason has begun, yet it's uncertain if your preferred player will make an appearance
Limiting Star Players in NFL Preseason Games: A Growing Trend
The National Football League (NFL) is increasingly prioritizing the health and well-being of its star players, with many teams opting to limit their participation in preseason games. This trend, which has been on the rise since 2014, is a response to the physicality of the sport and the desire to avoid unnecessary injuries.
In the 2025 season, 14 teams did not play their presumed starters for a single snap during the first two weeks of the preseason, a significant increase from just one team in 2014. This approach is particularly noticeable in the case of last season's NFL Rookie of the Year, Washington's Jayden Daniels, who did not take the field in Thursday's preseason opener in New England.
The Bengals, who have started 0-2 in five of their last six seasons, seem to be rethinking this strategy, as they played multiple starters during their preseason-opening game, including quarterback Joe Burrow, who had played only 15 preseason snaps in his previous five NFL seasons combined. Burrow made a statement after Cincinnati's preseason-opening loss to Philadelphia, saying, "I think we got 15 reps tonight, so we're 15 reps better."
However, the majority of teams are adhering to the trend of limiting preseason participation. For instance, the Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay began holding out his best players entirely during the preseason in his second season in Los Angeles in 2018, a practice that continues today, with starting quarterback Matthew Stafford not playing in the team's preseason opener.
Similarly, the Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin has stated that 15 starters will sit out at least the first preseason game, as they need less runway to take off. Other notable absentees from the preseason include the reigning MVP, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, and the new quarterback for Pittsburgh, Aaron Rodgers.
The risk of injury during preseason games is evident, as highlighted by the case of Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick last season, who dislocated a pinkie finger during a preseason game, and Rashawn Slater, a key offensive lineman for the Chargers, who suffered a season-ending knee injury during a practice this week.
This trend towards limiting preseason participation is part of a broader shift in NFL strategy, focusing on the evaluation and preparation of backups, rookies, and players competing for depth roles. By giving these players more preseason opportunities, teams can identify breakout players and ensure that their rosters are well-equipped for the regular season.
One exception to this trend is Jacksonville, who are expected to play most starters in their preseason opener, including No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter and starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence. However, even in Jacksonville's case, coach Liam Coen stated that they would play starters if they had fewer joint practices and practice days.
In conclusion, the NFL's approach to preseason games is evolving, with a growing emphasis on protecting key players from unnecessary risk while giving younger and depth players the chance to prove themselves. This strategy, which has become prevalent in recent seasons, is expected to continue in the 2025 season and beyond.
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- In a curious intersection between classic sports and new-age technology, Virtual Reality (VR) simulations are being developed for training purposes, allowing NFL players to practice game situations in a safe, controlled environment – an innovative solution inspired by the rise of crypto and its transformative potential.
