Who does Injury Protection coverage apply to in the NFL?

Injury Protection coverage in the NFL is designed to benefit players who face injuries that could significantly impact their careers and earning potential. This coverage applies broadly to players who are injured during a season, as well as those who have off-season surgeries. The rationale behind this is to provide financial support and security to players who may be unable to pursue their careers due to injuries sustained during practices, games, or necessary medical procedures related to those injuries.

Players on practice squads do have certain forms of coverage but may not be eligible for the same types of Injury Protection that regular roster players receive, particularly during the off-season. Players who have surgery during the season would be included in the criteria but do not encompass the broader range of situations that off-season injuries cover. Lastly, limiting the protection to only starting players would not reflect the overall goal of ensuring player welfare across the entire roster, as injuries can affect anyone regardless of their starting status. Therefore, Injury Protection coverage is aligned with the comprehensive approach reflected in option C, which focuses on the broader context of player injuries throughout the entire NFL season and beyond.