49ers tight end George Kittle begs NFL to do something about MetLife Stadium turf after another serious injury
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in Week 9 to improve to 6-3 on the season, staying within half of a game of the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West standings. The 49ers unfortunately lost another defender to a season-ending injury in the win, though, as Mykel Williams suffered a torn ACL.
In light of this, tight end George Kittle implored the NFL to finally do something about the MetLife turf when speaking to the media after the win.
“When someone's field is the butt of a joke around all of social media constantly, on every NFL meme page, and everybody jokes about how bad it is, I feel like at that point, someone should just take a look at it," Kittle said. "No NFL field should be the butt of a joke, ever.”
Several players have suffered severe injuries in MetLife over the last handful of years, including Aaron Rodgers, Saquon Barkley, and Malik Nabers. The 49ers lost Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas in 2020 to torn ACLs both suffered in the same game at MetLife.
Omar Khan Weighs in on Jaylen Waddle: ‘The Trade Has to Make Sense—Cap, Draft, and System All Matter’
As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to look for ways to improve their roster, General Manager Omar Khan has addressed the growing rumors about a potential trade for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. While the idea of acquiring a dynamic playmaker like Waddle has been enticing, Khan made it clear that any potential trade would need to make sense from both a financial and strategic standpoint.
“It’s not just about adding a flashy name,” Khan said. “If we’re going for Waddle, it has to make sense. Cap, draft capital, fit in our system—all have to align. But yes, we’re dialed in and exploring every avenue.”
The Steelers’ offense has shown promise in recent seasons, but the addition of a top-tier wide receiver like Waddle could provide an explosive dynamic to their passing game. Waddle, who has proven himself as one of the most dangerous wideouts in the NFL, would undoubtedly be a huge upgrade for a Steelers offense that has relied heavily on Najee Harris and their tight end duo of Pat Freiermuth and Zach Gentry.
However, Khan’s comments highlight the key consideration the Steelers must make before pursuing such a high-profile trade. The Steelers are currently facing salary cap constraints and would need to balance the cost of acquiring Waddle with the long-term financial health of the team. Khan emphasized that while the idea of adding an elite talent like Waddle is appealing, the financial logistics of a trade must be handled with care.
“The cap is a huge factor in any decision we make,” Khan explained. “We’re not going to make a move that puts us in a compromising position down the road. Every trade we make has to be beneficial not just for today, but for the future as well.”
In addition to financial considerations, Khan noted that the fit within the Steelers’ offensive system is paramount. The team’s offense is built around quick, precise routes and strong blocking in the run game. While Waddle’s speed and deep-threat capabilities would undoubtedly add a new dimension to the offense, it’s crucial that he meshes with quarterback Kenny Pickett and the offensive philosophy that head coach Mike Tomlin has cultivated.
“Any addition we make needs to be a seamless fit in our system,” Khan said. “We’re not just looking for talent; we’re looking for players who can contribute to our identity and our culture. Jaylen is a phenomenal player, but we need to ensure that he’s the right fit, both on and off the field.”
Despite these challenges, Khan reassured fans that the Steelers’ front office is actively monitoring the situation and exploring all options to improve the team. The trade deadline is fast approaching, and while the Waddle rumors are still speculative, the Steelers’ commitment to building a competitive team remains unwavering.
“We’re always exploring ways to get better,” Khan said. “If there’s an opportunity that makes sense, we’ll be ready to act. We’re committed to building a roster that can compete for championships, and we won’t settle for anything less.”
While it remains to be seen whether the Steelers will pursue Waddle before the trade deadline, Khan’s comments underscore the team’s cautious approach and commitment to making thoughtful, strategic decisions. Whether it’s acquiring a high-impact player like Waddle or addressing other areas of need, the Steelers’ front office is focused on building a team that will contend for a Super Bowl in the years to come.
