Prior to San Francisco defensive end Arik Armstead labeling the playing surface at MetLife Stadium as “trash” after a number of important 49ers were hurt in Sunday’s win over the Jets, the NFL found there was nothing wrong with the turf at the East Rutherford venue.
The league found no issues with the turf heading into 49ers-Jets game and determined the field was in compliance with all applicable NFL policies, including the Mandatory Practices for Artificial Surfaces, according to NJ Advance Media.
Additionally, within 72 hours of each game, “clubs must certify that their fields are in compliance with applicable policy, and that occurred in this instance.”
On Monday after the 49ers made their complaints about the turf public, New York Giants coach Joe Judge said there was nothing wrong at MetLife.
“Our guys have been on that turf,” Judge said Monday, per The New York Daily News. “We had camp in the stadium. That was kind of our home for that month or so. We had our players on the turf every day for some kind of walkthrough, competitive practice and then leading up to the game last week. Not a single player said anything negative along the way to me at all about any of the facilities, but specifically the turf. I’ve been on it myself with the team. I think it’s a good surface. It’s our home, and we’re excited to play there next Sunday.”
New York strong safety Jabrill Peppers also said he had no problem with the turf when the Giants played at home in Week 1 against the Steelers.
“No, not that I can say,” Peppers said. “I think every field presents its own kind of problems. That’s why you go out there pregame, get a good feel for the turf. Is it a fast track, do you need your studs or your molded cleats? Stuff like that. But we haven’t had any issues with it.”
The 49ers will return to MetLife on Sunday to take on the Giants. Expect the turf, and the injuries it possibly caused, to be one of the major storylines of the NFC matchup.
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