The 2023 NFL regular season gives a number of high-profile players the opportunity to rebound after injuries or other adversities hindered last year’s campaigns.
And as they attempt to help their teams deliver successful seasons, these players will put themselves in the running for Comeback Player of the Year. Since 1998, the award has been presented annually by the Associated Press, and it goes to a player who “shows perseverance in overcoming adversity, in the form of not being in the NFL the previous year, a severe injury, or simply poor performance.”
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Seattle quarterback Geno Smith won it last year, after leading the Seahawks to a 9-8 record and NFC playoff berth in his first season as a full-time starter since 2014.
This season boasts an extensive and diverse crop of candidates for this inspirational award. Here are 10 of the leading contenders.
Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Baltimore Ravens
Sidelined for the entire 2022 season while recovering from a torn ACL suffered in Super Bowl LVI, Beckham aims to recapture his electrifying form and help put Lamar Jackson and the Ravens over the top.
Derek Carr, QB, New Orleans Saints
Unceremoniously dismissed by Josh McDaniels and the Las Vegas Raiders last season, Carr starts anew with the Saints, who have a talented roster and a shot at returning to the playoffs if their new quarterback can recapture his Pro Bowl form.
Damar Hamlin, S, Buffalo Bills
Hamlin had to be resuscitated on the field after suffering cardiac arrest following a collision in a Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Eight months later, he has pulled off his comeback by making the Bills’ 53-man roster and positioning himself for a key role.
Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
After missing the final five regular-season games and Baltimore’s playoff game against Cincinnati (which the Ravens lost), Jackson looks to capitalize on an improved supporting cast and a new offensive coordinator and take Baltimore on a Super Bowl run.
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Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
A year after his historic 145-catch, 1,947-yard, 16-touchdown season, Kupp was limited to just nine games last season because of a high-ankle sprain that required surgery. Healed from that, Kupp experienced what Rams coach Sean McVay on Thursday called a “setback” in his recovery from a hamstring injury suffered early in training camp. Kupp is considered day-to-day.
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Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After a tumultuous 2022 (traded from Cleveland to Carolina, then released by the Panthers after six appearances, then claimed by the Rams, for whom he rebounded with four promising performances), Mayfield is Todd Bowles’ hand-picked replacement for Tom Brady and gives the Bucs their best shot at the NFC South title.
John Metchie III, WR, Houston Texans
The Texans’ second-round pick in 2022, Metchie missed all of his rookie season while battling leukemia. The 5-foot-11, 187-pound Alabama product recorded two catches for 10 yards in the preseason, but should work his way into the rotation of C.J. Stroud’s targets.
Von Miller, LB, Buffalo Bills
The 13th-year veteran will open the season on the physically unable to perform list while completing his rehab from the torn ACL that cost him the final six games of the 2022 season, but will fill a big need for the Bills once he does return.
Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams
A concussion and spinal cord contusion ended Stafford’s season after Week 11, as well as what the Rams hoped would be a title defense run. Healthy again, Stafford will be counted on to lead a revamped Rams team back to contention.
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Russell Wilson, QB, Denver Broncos
The player who used to call himself “Mr. Unlimited” had an atrocious 2022 campaign, posting career worsts in record (4-11), completion percentage (60.5) and touchdown passes (16), and tying his career high for interceptions (11). The Broncos brought in Sean Payton to help Wilson regain his nine-time Pro Bowl form, and the slimmed-down quarterback is said to be highly motivated to redeem himself and his team.
(Top photos of Odell Beckham Jr., Damar Hamlin and Russell Wilson: Getty Images)
The Football 100, the definitive ranking of the NFL’s best 100 players of all time, goes on sale this fall. Pre-order it here.
