Unnatural progression: Texans opt to switch to artificial turf

Published September 28, 2015

The Houston Texans decided to make a switch at starting quarterback for Week 2 - and that's just scratching the surface.

Following the decision that Ryan Mallett will take over from Brian Hoyer, the Texans on Friday announced that they will switch from natural grass to artificial turf at NRG Stadium.

General manager Rick Smith, citing the health of players as the reason for the move, noted there were concerns over the uneven conditions of the field during Houston's season-opening loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Smith did not commit to the switch beyond this season, saying the organization hopes to find a better solution to the current grass tray system that was being used. Jadeveon Clowney, the top overall pick in the 2014 draft, suffered a torn meniscus in last season's opener and a teammate said it was a result of stepping in a seam in the turf.

"Our field has tested very well in the past. That has not been the case this year," Smith said. "We weren't confident that the field would improve, and that's the reason we are making the change."

The Texans, who are preparing for a matchup at the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, did not offer much of a reaction to the announcement, with coach Bill O'Brien saying: "If they tell us to play in a parking lot, we'll play in parking lot."

(h/t HoustonTexans.com)

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/unnatural-progression-texans-opt-to-switch-to-artificial-turf