Blog

With the craziness of free agency and the draft behind us, football season is now officially approaching. 32 teams will fight until early February to claim the prized Lombardi Trophy. However, some important players did not have a chance to participate in all their games last year. Let’s go over the big players coming back from injury this season.

Jimmy Garoppolo (QB) San Fransisco 49ers

After being traded from the New England Patriots during the 2017 season, Garoppolo took the 1-10 49ers to a 6-10 record to end the season. He then became the highest paid player in NFL history for a short time with a massive contract extension. With offensive genius Kyle Shanahan as head coach guiding Garoppolo the future looked bright for the 49ers. However, during a week three game in Kansas City, things took a turn for the worst. While scrambling Garoppolo planted his left foot to avoid the sideline and his knee buckled, later ending up in a torn ACL. The injury prematurely ended the quarterback’s season as the 49ers crumbled to a 4-12 record. With Garoppolo back and fully recovered, I expect the 49ers to win at least 8-9 games.

Cooper Kupp (WR) Los Angeles Rams

Cooper Kupp came into the league two years ago from Eastern Washington University as a third round pick, and he’s proven to be a steal. With the offensive genius of head coach Sean McVay, Kupp has been utilized to his maximum abilities. However, last season did not end well for Kupp. The wideout was dealing with a nagging knee problem starting in week 6 and a torn ACL ultimately ended his season on week 10 against the Seahawks. Kupp only played in 8 games last season, but still managed to score 6 touchdowns and catch the ball 40 times for 566 yards. Quarterback Jared Goff and Kupp have very good chemistry, and it shows on the field. In one and a half season they have played together Goff has targeted Kupp 139 times resulting in 118 catchable passes, making them one of the top duos in the league. With Kupp coming back and the Rams looking to avenge last years Super Bowl loss, I expect another NFC West title heading to Los Angeles.

Will Fuller V (WR) Houston Texans

During the 2017/2018 season, Fuller was one of the bright sports on the young Texans team with 28 receptions for 423 yards and 7 touchdowns. He was expected to take on an even bigger role to take the pressure off teammate DeAndre Hopkins. Unfortunately for Fuller, his season ended prematurely with a torn ACL during a week 8 game against the Miami Dolphins. Despite only playing seven games, Fuller finished the year with 32 receptions for 503 yards and 4 touchdowns. Fuller is a big time player when he’s healthy, the only challenge for him is to stay on the field. With Demaryius Thomas heading for New England Fuller’s role will be increased in the offense, and he’s emerging as a major sleeper in fantasy football. We’ll see how he comes back to help his team collect another AFC South title.

Isaiah Wynn (OT) New England Patriots

After being drafted by the Patriots with the 23rd pick in the draft, there were high hopes for Wynn in Foxborough. Sadly, Wynn’s season was cut short after tearing his achilles in the preseason. Wynn is now returning for his second season with a Super Bowl ring, after the Patriots defeated the Rams 13-3 in last years Super Bowl. After tackle Trent Brown left to become the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history, Wynn recently passed his physical and will step right in to fill the role of starting tackle for the defending champions.

Derrius Guice (RB) Washington Redskins

Derrius Guice was seen as the steal of the 2018 NFL Draft, as the Redskins scooped him up in the second round with the 59th pick. To the dismay of all Redskins fans, Guice tore his ACL during the preseason opener against the New England Patriots. He was also hit with two other setbacks as he dealt with infections in his knee after surgery and just recently hurt his hamstring this month. The former LSU running back was expected to be ready by training camp, but now his return is questionable. Adrian Peterson did a great job carrying the load last year, but Guice is poised to takeover the Redskins backfield in the near future. Hopefully he is able to get on the field soon and start making his mark on the league.

Hunter Henry (TE) Los Angeles Chargers

After winning the John Mackey Award (given to the best tight end in the country) at Arkansas in 2015, Henry was selected in the second round with the 35th pick. With fellow teammate and legendary tight end Antonio Gates taking Henry under his wing, he quickly made a name for himself in the league. His rookie season he scored 8 touchdowns, fifth in NFL history for most touchdowns ever scored by a rookie tight end. In the 2017 season, Henry scored only four touchdowns but had more receptions (45) and yards (579) than his rookie year. Unfortunately, Henry had to wait a long time to step on the field for his third season. During offseason workouts, Henry suffered a torn ACL and was immediately place on the PUP (physical unable to perform) list. He was added to the active roster for the divisional round matchup with the New England Patriots, but did not end up playing. With Henry coming back fully healthy, the Chargers will once again challenge for the AFC West crown.

Earl Thomas (FS) Baltimore Ravens

Earl Thomas is known as one of the NFL’s best safeties, so he deserves to be paid like one right? According to the Seahawks, he didn’t. After holding out for a new contract all of training camp and preseason, Thomas returned to the team just days before the first week of the regular season without a new deal. Even in this case of unselfishness, Thomas was the one who had to pay in the end. During a week 4 game with the Arizona Cardinals, Thomas was carted off with a leg injury, which ended up being diagnosed as a broken leg. Thomas then proceeded to give the middle finger to his own sideline, which he later explained was a gesture towards head coach Pete Carroll and the team’s front office. Many people thought Thomas was going to hang up the cleats after his injury, but he has found a new home. Now Thomas is ready to bounce back after signing a new deal with the Baltimore Ravens in free agency. The Ravens play the Seahawks in Seattle on October 20th, I bet Thomas will be looking forward to that matchup.

Jerick McKinnon (RB) San Fransisco 49ers

Jerick McKinnon was supposed to be teaming up with Jimmy Garoppolo in San Fransisco to start a new era for the struggling 49ers. McKinnon was a solid running back in Minnesota for the first three years of his career, and was finally getting the chance to be a starting running back in the NFL for the first time in his career. Unfortunately, McKinnon tore his ACL in practice eight days before the regular season. McKinnon is now poised for a breakout year, as both him and new teammate Tevin Coleman teaming up. With Garoppolo also coming back, tight end George Kittle coming off an amazing year, and Marquise Goodwin leading the wideouts, the 49ers offense is looking dangerous this year. If they all stay healthy, the future is bright at Levi’s Stadium.

Devonta Freeman (RB) Atlanta Falcons

After only playing two games last season, Devonta Freeman will be looking to bounce back this year. Freeman scored 29 rushing touchdowns and 6 receiving touchdowns in the three years before he got hurt. The two time pro-bowler will look to bolster a Falcons team that was riddled with injuries last year. With former teammate Tevin Coleman leaving to the 49ers this year, Freeman will be handed most of the carries. I expect him to have a big year and help the Falcons challenge for the NFC South title.

Cam Newton (QB) Carolina Panthers

After winning the Heisman Trophy, being the #1 overall pick in the 2011 draft, the NFL MVP in 2015, and a three time pro-bowler, expectations are always high for Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. It was no different when the 2018 season kicked off, and things were looking smooth in the beginning. Newton was performing and leading comeback victories as the Panthers started the season off with an impressive 6-2 record. However, they went on to lose their next seven games as they finished the year with a dismal 7-9 record. What went wrong? The turning point was being absolutely embarrassed by the Pittsburgh Steelers on national television by a score of 52-21. The defense stopped playing well and the inconsistency on the offensive side was becoming apparent. Newton finished the year with 24 passing touchdowns, 4 rushing touchdowns, and 3,395 passing yards in only 14 games. With the additions of center Matt Paradis to protect Cam and defensive end Bruce Irvin to add to the pass rush, the Panthers will look to challenge for the NFC South title.