It’s a sign of the times.

Injuries are such a big part of dictating an NFL season. And the post-career damage for former players continues to be a huge storyline for football.

CBS has responded by adding a doctor for its NFL coverage. Neal ElAttrache, the orthropedic surgeon who operated on Tom Brady in 2008, will serve as the network’s medical consultant.

“Injuries and recovery time and medical storylines often become an important part of our coverage,” said CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus. “So rather than speculate on a certain injury or recovery time, we decided to bring on someone who’s generally considered one of the renowned orthopedic surgeons in America.

“So the hope is he can give some insight both on a current injury, what that athlete might be looking forward to in terms of when he can be back on the field? What the injury means? What athletes have had similar injuries and what kind of recovery time there might be?”

Given the injury rate in the NFL, the doctor should get plenty of air time.

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Jason La Canfora moves over from NFL Network to be CBS’ new information guy. He replaces Charlie Casserly.

McManus likes La Canfora’s versality. He’s a prolific tweeter and writes for CBSSports.com.

“We were looking for someone who could contribute to all of our platforms and Jason has the energy, exuberance and the 24-hour commitment,” McManus said. “I talked to coaches and owners around the league, and I watched what he was doing. I saw how many stories he was on top of, and he looked to me the ideal candidate. He literally lives and breathes the NFL 24 hours a day.”

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It is CBS’ turn for the Super Bowl. Any year with a Super Bowl means it is a big year for the network.