The Green Bay Packers are taking a calculated approach to their preseason preparations, with head coach Matt LaFleur confirming that starters will see playing time in Saturday’s preseason opener against the New York Jets. This decision, while seemingly routine, is backed by data-driven insights from the NFL’s injury prevention research, emphasizing the importance of controlled reps to reduce early-season injuries. LaFleur’s comments shed light on the evolving philosophy around preseason participation, where analytics and player health now play a pivotal role in coaching decisions.
“They’ll tell you, according to our medical people and our sports performance people, that if you get X amount of reps, you’re how many ever times less likely to get injured within the first four to five weeks of the regular season,” LaFleur explained. This statement underscores a growing trend in the NFL: the use of sports science to balance player workload and injury risk. Teams are no longer relying solely on intuition or tradition when deciding how much to play their stars in exhibition games. Instead, they are turning to empirical evidence that suggests a carefully measured preseason workload can help players acclimate to game speed while minimizing the risk of soft-tissue injuries that often plague unprepared athletes.
The Packers’ approach reflects a broader shift in the league. In recent years, many teams have opted to rest their starters entirely during the preseason, prioritizing safety over live-game reps. However, this strategy has sometimes backfired, with sluggish starts and early-season injuries suggesting that players need some level of game action to be fully prepared for the regular season. LaFleur’s decision to play his starters—albeit in a limited capacity—strikes a middle ground, acknowledging the necessity of conditioning while adhering to data that supports controlled exposure.
One of the key factors in this decision is the NFL’s extensive injury data, which has been refined over years of tracking player workloads, recovery times, and injury patterns. The league’s research indicates that players who receive a baseline number of preseason snaps are statistically less likely to suffer injuries in the opening weeks of the regular season. This is particularly relevant for veterans who may not need extensive playing time but still benefit from live contact to shake off rust. For younger players or those in position battles, these reps are even more critical, providing coaches with valuable evaluation opportunities while ensuring that players are physically prepared for the demands of the regular season.
LaFleur’s philosophy also highlights the importance of collaboration between coaching staffs and sports performance teams. In the past, decisions about playing time were often made unilaterally by head coaches or coordinators. Now, medical staff, strength coaches, and data analysts all contribute to the conversation, ensuring that player health remains the top priority. This multidisciplinary approach has become a hallmark of successful franchises, with teams like the Packers leveraging every available resource to gain a competitive edge.
Another layer to this discussion is the psychological aspect of preseason play. While some veterans may prefer to avoid unnecessary hits in exhibition games, others thrive on the rhythm of live competition. Quarterbacks, in particular, often benefit from preseason snaps to build timing with receivers and adjust to new offensive schemes. For Jordan Love, who is entering his first full season as the Packers’ starting quarterback, these reps could be invaluable. Even if his playing time is limited, the opportunity to face an opposing defense—even in a vanilla preseason game—can help solidify his command of the offense before the games start counting.
Of course, the risk of injury in preseason games remains a concern. Every snap carries some level of danger, and no amount of data can completely eliminate the possibility of a freak accident. However, the Packers’ strategy suggests that the benefits of controlled exposure outweigh the risks of complete inactivity. By carefully managing snap counts and ensuring that starters are physically prepared, the team hopes to avoid the slow starts and early injuries that have derailed other squads in recent years.
The Packers’ preseason opener against the Jets will serve as an early litmus test for this approach. While the final score is irrelevant, the performance and health of key players will be closely monitored. If Green Bay’s starters emerge unscathed and look sharp in their limited action, it will validate LaFleur’s data-driven strategy. Conversely, if injuries occur, it could reignite debates about the necessity of playing starters in exhibition games.
Beyond the immediate implications for the Packers, LaFleur’s comments reflect a larger trend in professional sports: the increasing reliance on analytics to inform decision-making. From load management in the NBA to pitch counts in MLB, teams across all sports are using data to optimize performance and minimize risk. The NFL is no exception, and as the league continues to prioritize player safety, expect more teams to adopt similar strategies in the preseason.
Ultimately, the Packers’ approach is about finding balance. Preseason games are a necessary part of the NFL calendar, but their purpose has evolved. They are no longer just about evaluating fringe roster players—they are also about ensuring that established stars are physically and mentally prepared for the grind of a 17-game season. By using injury prevention data to guide his decisions, LaFleur is positioning his team for a strong start while mitigating unnecessary risks.
As the NFL continues to evolve, the way teams handle the preseason will remain a topic of debate. Some coaches will always err on the side of caution, while others will insist that live reps are irreplaceable. LaFleur’s middle-ground approach, backed by research and collaboration, may very well become the league’s new standard. For now, all eyes will be on Green Bay’s starters as they take the field on Saturday, offering the first glimpse of whether this strategy pays off.
