The Vikings are are changing the turf at U.S. Bank Stadium.
There has been concern for years about the higher risk of non-contact injuries on certain artificial turfs, as opposed to natural grass surfaces.
While the team's indoor facility is condusive to the latter, there are better artificial choices according to data compiled by the league and NFL Player's Association.
Thursday morning, the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority who operates U.S. Bank Stadium, approved a $1.3 million bid to replace the current turf with an updated version called Act Global Xtreme Turf DX, which is said to be much more friendly for players.
Installation will begin in February and will be done in time for the 2024 football season. The team will also install the same turf at their practice facility in Eagan.
Besides the Vikings' home in Minnesota, Cincinnati and Indianapolis use the slit-film turf that will be replaced. The Colts plan to replace their turf in 2024 according to ESPN.
Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson suffered a pulled hamstring on home turf this season. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce suffered a noncontact lower extremity injury on the field in Week 5, and San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle complained about the turf after a Week 7 game.