What are the criteria for Injury Protection eligibility?

The criteria for Injury Protection eligibility is based on a player's inability to participate in games due to injury, specifically requiring that they fail the preseason physical examination. This physical is critical as it assesses the player's health and readiness for the upcoming season. If a player is deemed unfit to play, they can then qualify for the Injury Protection program, which ensures they receive benefits despite being sidelined.

Injuries that prevent a player from participating can have significant implications for their career, and the Injury Protection program is designed to provide financial assistance during such times. Failing the physical is a formal procedure that confirms the player's inability, making it a crucial aspect of determining eligibility for these protections.

Other options may mention circumstances like being benched or having a contract expired, but these do not directly relate to the player's medical condition and fitness, which is at the heart of the Injury Protection criteria. Therefore, the ability to play is fundamentally tied to the physical examination results, establishing why inability to play, as shown by failing the preseason physical, is the correct understanding of Injury Protection eligibility.