Baltimore Ravens to switch to natural grass for next NFL season

The Baltimore Ravens are switching from artificial turf to natural grass at the M&T Bank Stadium for the start of the 2016 NFL season.

Ravens Team President Dick Cass confirmed the move on Friday, saying the decision was backed by the staff and players.

"The players really wanted to play on grass and that was a key consideration. The coaches wanted to play on grass," said Cass.

When the M&T Bank Stadium opened in 1998 it had a natural grass but the franchise struggled to keep it in good condition due to sunlight restrictions.

This resulted in the Ravens switching to artificial turf for the 2003 season which it has remained since. The club will become the 18th of the NFL's 32 teams to play their home games on natural grass, excluding the Green Bay Packers' hybrid field.

Baltimore are 4-7 and third in AFC North Division but have seen their roster savaged by injuries this season. Key players, including quarterback Joe Flacco (ACL), wide receiver Steve Smith Sr (Achilles) and running back Justin Forsett (broken arm), have been casualties in 2015 and it's hoped the new surface will help prevent similar problems occurring in the future.

Ravens cornerback Ladarius Webb has suffered two ACL tears on the artificial turf at the M&T Bank Stadium.

"It's a black and white difference," Webb said.

"Turf is harder on your body, harder on your joints, harder on your muscles."
 

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