ARIZONA CARDINALS

Arizona Cardinals respond to accusations that turf caused Chiefs’ injuries

Sep 14, 2022, 9:44 AM
Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball as safety Justin Reid #20 o...
Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball as safety Justin Reid #20 of the Kansas City Chiefs closes in during the second quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

The Arizona Cardinals responded to Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid’s accusations of loose turf injuring two players on Sunday.

The Cardinals said the entire field was replaced on Aug. 22, the day after the final home preseason game.

“That’s more than enough time for the Tifway Bermuda 419 hybrid sod to take root, especially in 109 degrees and abundant sunshine,” Cardinals spokesperson Mark Dalton told NBC’s Mike Florio over text message on Tuesday.

Reid cited the turf as part of the injuries to kicker Harrison Butker and rookie defensive back Trent McDuffie.

“It was a little loose,” Reid said Monday. “That’s what happens sometimes when you re-sod … The turf picked up, and I would tell you that did have something to do with it. If it didn’t, I’d tell you that, too. It’s not an excuse by any means. But you all see it when you watch the tape.”

McDuffie injured his hamstring in pass coverage on Cardinals receiver A.J. Green. Butker slipped on a kickoff early in the game and, though he made a long field goal later on, most of his extra point and kickoff duties went to safety Justin Reid.

 

“The field at State Farm Stadium is routinely ranked among the best — if not THE best — among NFL players, including in surveys conducted by the NFLPA,” Dalton told Florio. “Like all fields, the surface at State Farm Stadium undergoes the NFL’s required testing and certification process both before and after games. Sunday it not only met but exceeded those standards.”

Arizona Cardinals

DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals makes a catch in front of David Long Jr. #22 of the Lo...
Wills Rice

Report: Cardinals grant teams permission to speak to DeAndre Hopkins

The Arizona Cardinals have reportedly granted teams permission to speak to wideout DeAndre Hopkins and his agent, SI's Albert Breer said.
1 day ago
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) works in the pocket against the Tennessee Titans dur...
Tyler Drake

Lamar Jackson’s trade request adds an extra layer to busy NFL offseason

The twists and turns of the NFL offseason roll on following Ravens QB Lamar Jackson's Monday announcement of his trade request.
1 day ago
General manager Monti Ossenfort of the Arizona Cardinals speaks to the media during the NFL Combine...
Tyler Drake

2023 NFL Mock Draft Tracker: What will the Cardinals do with 3rd pick?

A look at the players being mocked to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
2 days ago
Krys Barnes #51 of the Green Bay Packers breaks up a pass intended for Devine Ozigbo #28 of the New...
Alex Weiner

Cardinals agree to 1-year deal with former Packers LB Krys Barnes

The Arizona Cardinals agreed to terms with 24-year-old inside linebacker Krys Barnes on a one-year contract, the team announced on Saturday.
3 days ago
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals lines up during the NFL game against the...
Wills Rice

Report: Cardinals may want ‘Christian McCaffrey package’ for DeAndre Hopkins

The Cardinals are sticking to their guns in asking for a second round pick for wideout DeAndre Hopkins, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported.
3 days ago
Defensive back Christian Gonzalez #0 of the Oregon Ducks returns an interception in the third quart...
Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ mock draft scenarios: Arizona deals the No. 3 pick

Trade the No. 3 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft or keep it? That’s the question Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort will have to answer soon enough.
4 days ago
Arizona Cardinals respond to accusations that turf caused Chiefs’ injuries