The 49ers lost a number of players in their win Sunday over the Jets, including star defensive end Nick Bosa, to knee and ankle injuries and immediately blamed bad turf at MetLife Stadium.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the turf at MetLife Stadium, the home of both the Jets and Giants, was a major problem, adding it definitely contributed to the spate of injuries that occurred with his team in its 31-13 victory.
"I know that's as many knee injuries and ankle stuff and people getting caught on the turf that I've ever been a part of," Shanahan told reporters following the 49ers' victory. "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."
The Steelers, who played the Giants there last Monday night to open the season, didn't complain about the MetLife turf. But they did lose starting right tackle Zach Banner to a torn ACL in the fourth quarter of that game.
Asked if the turf there contributed to his injury, Banner simply told me, "Yup."
Banner had season-ending surgery to repair his torn ACL last Friday. He was replaced by Chuks Okorafor in the starting lineup for the Steelers' win Sunday over the Broncos.
The field at MetLife Stadium had a new surface installed during the offseason and was certified by an independent field inspector earlier this month that said it complied with all NFL policies.
But after Banner went down in Week 1 and the 49ers had several injuries, including losing Bosa to a torn ACL, defensive lineman Solomon Thomas to a knee injury, running back Raheem Mostert to a serious ankle injury and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to a high ankle sprain, the NFL will reportedly take another look at the MetLife turf.
That can't happen too quickly for the 49ers -- or Banner, for that matter. The 49ers are staying on the East Coast this week. They play the Giants at MetLife Stadium next Sunday.
