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NFL Examines Smaller Pads Amid Rising Shoulder Injuries

6/28/2026

38 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

NFL executive Jeff Miller asked if the rise in shoulder injuries is linked to smaller pads.
Industry experts say optics and reluctance to revert to bulkier gear drive the shift to smaller pads.
Players claim the slimmer pads boost mobility, but Kevin Bull says that belief is false.
If the season adds a game, calls for better protection may rise because smaller pads may not aid agility.

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Story summary

NFL executive Jeff Miller asked if the rise in shoulder injuries is linked to smaller pads.
Industry experts say optics and reluctance to revert to bulkier gear drive the shift to smaller pads.
Players claim the slimmer pads boost mobility, but Kevin Bull says that belief is false.
If the season adds a game, calls for better protection may rise because smaller pads may not aid agility.