What must a player do to qualify for an injury protection benefit?

To qualify for an injury protection benefit, a player must undergo a rehabilitation program. This requirement is in place to ensure that the player is actively working on their recovery from an injury, demonstrating a commitment to return to play and assessing their capacity to perform at a competitive level. The rehabilitation process helps the team and the player's representatives evaluate the impact of the injury on the player’s performance and future prospects.

While other options are related to different aspects of a player's management or contractual obligations, they do not directly relate to the eligibility for injury protection benefits in the same way. For example, playing all preseason games, filing a grievance within a specific time frame, or completing a physical exam may be important for various other reasons, but they do not encapsulate the core requirement that a player must actively participate in a rehab program to qualify for these benefits. The focus on rehabilitation is critical for determining not only the severity of the injury but also the player's readiness to return to the game.