Injured reserve

Is it just me, or is every team suffering crazy injuries this year? The Packers first string seems to be injured. 3 different teams have been missing their QB for at least 2 games (not including those that told their first-string guy to have a damn seat*). The Giants are missing their entire running core. And that's only looking on the offensive side of the ball. The injuries don't seem to discriminate. From hamstring injuries to concussions to major breaks, it just seems like a lot this year. Not only is it a lot of injuries, but it's injuries to big names that we all know: Jay Cutler, Aaron Rodgers, Clay Mathews, Julio Jones, David Flip Wilson, Dez Bryant, Reggie Wayne...this list just goes on and on.

So what gives? My first question is, are they not stretching anymore? The sheer number of non-serious hamstring injuries is mind boggling. Seriously, these guys need to take a page from the cheerleaders and never take the field without first doing a scissors stretch or two.**

My next question is, for many of these injuries -- is this an unintended consequence of the new tackling rule? The new rules state that players cannot hit high, carrying hefty fines and penalties for helmet-to-helmet hits. The rule was designed in the wake of a huge lawsuit against the NFL for damages suffered as a result of concussions. And sure, making helmet-to-helmet hits expensive (both to the team in the game and the player's individual pocketbooks) limits the number of high hits. But it also increases the number of low hits. Resulting in what? Helmets hitting other breakable areas of the body.

It's a new rule, so time will tell. But for now, I wonder if we didn't trade head injuries for knee and leg injuries.

*Looking at you Texans!

**OR, is "hamstring" injury to athletes what "exhaustion" is to Hollywood celebrities?