In this new era of elite quarterback preservation, we were supposed to be beyond this.
We were supposed to be through with the days of the injury cart ferrying off the most prized franchise commodity, often to the disgust of every competitor on the field. Rule changes were made for this. Offensive philosophies were augmented. Equipment was enhanced. All in the name of extending the longevity of special talents — in the hopes that guys like Patrick Mahomes, Kyler Murray and Deshaun Watson can all play into their 40s.
But as the Cincinnati Bengals have taught us this season, the NFL can go only so far to protect the best parts of the league’s product.