Injured NFL Players Who Could Make Huge Impact Late in Season -- - TopicsExpress



          

Injured NFL Players Who Could Make Huge Impact Late in Season -- Ann by Russell S. Baxter Staying on the field is hard enough in the NFL. Coming back from a major injury increases the difficulty of the task. Players get hurt. That’s the sad reality of the game we all love. But players also come back from injury…sometimes even better than new. So here’s a look at eight players that late in 2013 may be healthy enough to make a big difference in their team’s fortunes. The understanding is that some of these players could be and will be ready for Week 1 of the regular season. But being available and playing well are two different things. For instance, as much as we marveled at the season-long performance of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in 2012, it’s interesting to note that his best football came in the second half of the season. Peterson played better the longer he was removed from the injury. So here’s the list in alphabetical order and certainly not by degree of diagnosis. I’m not a doctor and certainly don’t play one on Bleacher Report. LB Melvin Ingram, San Diego Chargers It’s a new start for the San Diego Chargers in 2013. It began at the top with the dismissal of general manager A.J. Smith and head coach Norv Turner. In their place are Tom Telesco and Mike McCoy, respectively, as San Diego looks to get back to the playoffs after a three-year absence. While the Chargers offense had its issues last season, the defense had its positive moments. Far from perfect, the team finished ninth in the NFL in yards allowed in 2012, and only five teams gave up fewer rushing yards per game. Second-year pro Melvin Ingram, the Chargers first-round draft choice in 2012, was expected to be the starter at right outside linebacker this season opposite Jarret Johnson. Veteran Shaun Phillips was not re-signed and wound up joining the Denver Broncos. But Ingram injured his knee in May, and his status for 2013 is very uncertain. It’s too early for him to be ruled out for the entire season for now. Ingram, who totaled 41 tackles and knocked down five passes in 2012, could be a nice addition down the stretch if he is able to return. For now, veteran Dwight Freeney takes over at right outside linebacker for McCoy’s team.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Jul 2013 16:38:56 +0000

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