By Marvin Moore June 7, 2023
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith came out of nowhere to win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award last year after eight seasons as a backup quarterback. The 2013 second-round pick led the league in completion percentage and earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl.
Before Smith’s stunning Cinderella season, the award was mostly given to players who posted impressive numbers after returning from a severe injury the previous season.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow claimed the prize in 2021 after guiding his team to the Super Bowl less than a year after tearing his ACL and MCL. Former Washington Commanders quarterback Alex Smith took home the award in 2020 after rebounding from a gruesome leg injury in 2018 that cost him the entire 2019 season.
Here is our list of contenders for the 2023 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award who missed significant time last year due to injuries.
10. J.C. Jackson
The high-priced Jackson inked a five-year, $82.5 million contract but missed the preseason and the season-opening game due to an ankle injury. He was benched in Week 6 because of erratic play and was lost for the season the following week with a knee injury. Jackson might not be ready to play in Week 1, but the former Pro Bowl cornerback has something to prove this upcoming season.
9. Michael Thomas
Thomas has played in just 10 games over the last three seasons after posting back-to-back first-team All-Pro seasons in 2018 and 2019, when he hauled in a whopping 274 receptions. The former NFL Offensive Player of the Year is 30 years old but should have a lot left in the tank after three lost years. Free-agent quarterback is a significant upgrade over last year’s starter Andy Dalton.
8. Garett Bolles
Bolles suffered a season-ending broken leg in Week 5 and was one of four Broncos starting offensive linemen that missed significant time in 2022. The former first-round pick has improved tremendously since leading the league in holding penalties during his first three seasons. Bolle’s ability to bounce back will play a key role in protecting Russell Wilson this upcoming season.
7. Shaquille Leonard
Leonard endured an injury-plagued 2022 campaign and played in just three games. The three-time All-Pro will be looking to regain the form that made him the highest-paid outside linebacker in the NFL two years ago. Although back injuries are hard to overcome, Leonard is the type of athlete who can rebound from a serious injury and post productive numbers.
6. Tim Patrick
Patrick signed a three-year, $30 million extension after finishing the 2021 campaign with 53 receptions for 734 receiving yards and five touchdowns. However, he suffered an ACL tear and missed the entire 2022 season. The 6-foot-4 wideout returns to a crowded receiver corp but should thrive in Sean Payton’s pass-happy offense.
5. Harold Landry
Landry signed a five-year, $87.5 million extension in early 2022 but tore his ACL in the summer and missed the entire season. He earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl after finishing the 2021 season with 74 tackles and a career-high 12 sacks. The former second-round pick will return as a cornerstone of the Titan’s defense.
4. Javonte Williams
Williams suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders but is on track to play in Week 1 this upcoming season. The former second-round pick has flashed elite running skills and will share backfield duties with former Cincinnati Bengals third down back Samaje Perine.
3. Rashawn Slater
Slater ruptured his biceps tendon in Week 3 and was lost for the season. The 2021 first-round pick was named a Pro Bowl starter after an impressive rookie campaign and is fully healthy heading into the 2023 season. Slater has already established himself as one of the top tackles in the league and will anchor one of the NFL’s top offensive line units.
2. Breece Hall
Hall was in contention for Offensive Rookie of the Year before tearing his ACL and meniscus in Week 7. The former Iowa State standout averaged 5.8 yards per carry while rushing for 463 yards and four touchdowns in seven games. With the addition of future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Hall is in a prime spot to be an integral part of a dynamic Jets offensive unit.
1. Cooper Kupp
Kupp suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 10 and underwent season-ending surgery after catching 75 balls for 812 yards and six touchdowns. The 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year will once again be the favorite target of Matthew Stafford and should put up monster numbers if he can avoid the injury bug.
