HOUSTON – The Houston Texans will switch from natural grass to artificial turf at NRG Stadium for the rest of the season, the team announced Friday.
"Our players... if you ask them, to a man, prefer to play on natural grass vs. an artificial surface, but it's our responsibility both at the club level as well as the league level to protect players from unnecessary risk," Texans general manager Rick Smith said
He said the team began contemplating a change from the current grass tray system after two preseason home games and the opener vs. Kansas City last Sunday.
"We're been very proud of this field and very comfortable with it," Smith said. "That has not been the case this year, and so what we need to do is make sure that we find more consistency like we have had historically."
Smith couldn't say exactly why the playing field has not been up to par this season, but he said it could be the condition of the grass trays, the installation of the trays or the nursery area where the trays are stored.
He said the Chiefs also expressed concern about the field last weekend.
The AstroTurf system will be installed as early as this weekend.
The Texans hope to have a new grass system ready for the 2016 season, Smith said.
He would not reveal a cost to replace the grass with turf.
The Texans' next home game is Sept. 27 against Tampa Bay.