NFL Free Agents 2012: Injury-Plagued Players Who Deserve Another Shot

It's unfortunate when it happens, but injuries do one of two things for an NFL athlete: The player's career is never the same, or they come back from it and return to prime form with a greater sense of purpose.

No season is exempt from this occurrence, and there remain some free agents looking for that next shot. Whether it's with their 2011 franchises or elsewhere, here's a look at current free agents that deserve to suit up and consistently contribute in 2012.

Tim Hightower, RB

Through the first five games of 2011, Tim Hightower accounted for 399 total yards and scored two touchdowns for the then 3-3 Washington Redskins. It was just as the Redskins' season was beginning to plummet, and it could have been averted had Hightower's season not gotten cut short.

While in Arizona from 2008-2010, Hightower averaged 844 total yards per season and scored 23 touchdowns. So the proven production is there, now just getting back to 100 percent must happen. Also, according to Rich Campbell of the Washington Times back in late-March, the Redskins are expected to re-sign Hightower.

Regardless of where Hightower ends up, though, he's a versatile back who can get excellent yards after first contact, after the catch and make would-be defenders miss in narrow space. Plus, the man has solid postseason experience, having played in Super Bowl XLIII and six playoff games for the Cardinals.

Domonique Foxworth, CB

Domonique Foxworth has basically missed the past two seasons. And despite only being 29 years old, that's a lot of missed time to be concerned about for any team interested in him.

Nonetheless, Foxworth is one of the NFL's best complete corners when healthy. Between 2005 and 2006 in Denver, Foxworth defended 22 passes, made three picks and recorded 131 tackles. His next impressive two-year stint was with the Falcons in 2008 and Baltimore in 2009.

During that stretch, Foxworth recorded five picks, defended 27 total passes and made 91 tackles. Despite his durability red flags, whoever provides Foxworth with an opportunity to showcase his skills, he will produce.

Obviously he must remain healthy throughout the season, so Foxworth will likely be offered a short-team deal, but he still brings reliable field awareness, experience and quick reactionary instincts to make plays when it counts.

Andre Carter, DE

The seasoned vet on the list, Andre Carter turns 33 years old before the 2012 season kicks off, but he also remains as one of the better available pass-rushers and run defenders.

Before going down in Week 15 at Denver, Carter had recorded 10 sacks and 52 tackles with two forced fumbles. He's easily an underrated defender, having collected 76 career sacks, 17 forced fumbles and 494 tackles.

Carter can still provide a defense with an edge rushing presence and set the perimeter to limit the opposing ground game. Plus, according to Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald, the Pats are taking their time with Carter.

That said, the longer they wait it wouldn't be surprising to see Carter sign elsewhere. He will certainly suffice for any team needing an established pass-rusher to upgrade the front seven.

Eric Steinbach, OG

Other than the nosedive from Peyton Hillis in 2011, the Browns running game suffered as Eric Steinbach was out as well. The consistently reliable interior lineman, Steinbach had started the entire 2009 and 2010 seasons for Cleveland and has 124 starts since his rookie year in 2003.

A Pro Bowl alternate in 2008, Steinbach is 32 years old, so the long-term question is reasonable. Now yes, we've seen offensive linemen last until their late-30s like some quarterbacks and receivers, but the majority of those players never had durability issues, either.

Steinbach, however, does bring proven consistency to the table and is a sound run-blocker. He's quick off the ball and knows how to chip-block to the second level and elongate the running lanes.

Also a sound pass-blocker, Steinbach teamed up with tackle Joe Thomas in Cleveland. So provided he goes somewhere that has a stud center or tackle on either side of him, Steinbach can make an impressive impact from the get-go.

John Rozum on Twitter.