Why a Substation Entered an NFL Injury Debate

The San Francisco 49ers are doing a different type of research this offseason.

After another season plagued by a high rate of injuries the 49ers are set to investigate why they continue to suffer a higher rate of injuries than the average NFL team.

One of the theories that started, (you guessed it) online, theorises that an electrical substation near the 49ers training facility and home stadium is contributing to the injuries.

49ers General Manager John Lynch said Wednesday.

"Because it deals with allegedly the health and safety of our players, I think you have to look into everything."

"We've been reaching out to anyone and everyone to see, does a study exist other than a guy sticking an apparatus under the fence and coming up with a number that I have no idea what that means?"

"I know that a lot of games have been won at this facility since it opened, but yeah, we aren't going to turn a blind eye."

The theory that found it's way into the 49ers players locker room alleges that the excessive exposure to electromotive force (EMF) has contributed to the increase in injuries to the San Francisco based team.

Frank de Vocht, a professor of epidemiology and public health at Bristol Medical School, considered an expert on EMF affects, told the Washington Post that the theory is "nonsense".

Despite this the team is at the very least doing due diligence in the hopes of unearthing potential reasons why the injury bug continues to plague the team.

This season the 49ers lost star players Nick Bosa (ACL), Fred Warner (broken ankle) and George Kittle (Achilles) to season ending injuries. First round draft pick Mykel Williams was also lost for most of the year after tearing his ACL.

"We're always looking intro trends, data, everything we do," Lynch said. "Our health and performance of our players is at the utmost priority each and every year. This year it was rough, and it took a toll on our team, and we'll continue to look."

Next we can expect a 15-yard penalty on the substation for unsportsmanlike conduct - and a request for a formal apology. So much for clean energy...