Opinion: Expanding season runs counter to NFL’s talk of safety

Roger Goodell thinks the NFL is doing some great work in making the game safer for players.

Believe that if you will, though the statistics don’t exactly bear the commissioner out. Concussions were up this year and a study by The Associated Press showed a staggering amount of games missed because of injury.

The more players are hit, the more they’re hurt. It’s a simple fact that all the talk about concussion protocol, improved helmets and rule changes won’t change.

That’s why 16 players who were on the San Francisco 49ers roster when the season began won’t be in the Super Bowl. It’s why the NFL has injury tents on the sidelines, where some players in this Super Bowl will inevitably end up.

And it’s why the NFL’s push to add a 17th game to the regular season may be good for business — but not particularly good for the future health of its players.

“One more game for a check,” 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman said.“So now player safety has a cost. Player safety has a number attached to it.”

The NFL still must convince the players’ union to go along with the increase in regular-season games, and Sherman is not alone in voicing concern about the toll it will take.

Goodell said Wednesday he wasn’t going to comment on the ongoing talks, but said any deal on adding a game would involve changes in the offseason, training camp and practices during the season.

Like it or not, though, money will win out on both sides. Owners will make more and so will players.

Probably enough to add an extra injury tent or two to the sidelines.