2012 NFL Free Agents: Injury-Prone Veterans Worth Gambling On

Although injuries are an unfortunate part of football, it can provide a veteran player with the unique opportunity to prove doubters wrong.

A second chance—if you will—for a shot to contribute on a promising team. That said, let's take a look at some injury-prone veterans that are worth gambling on for the 2012 season.

Dallas Clark, TE

Having played in just 17 games the past two seasons, Dallas Clark is certainly a risk for any team that considers his services.

Nonetheless, Clark can be effective in the right system. When healthy, he's as consistently reliable as any tight end in the game, proving to be a viable threat between the zones and against linebackers in single coverage.

He obviously had the luxury of catching passes from Peyton Manning through the 2010 season and endured an All-Pro year in 2009 with over 1,100 yards on 100 catches including 10 scores. Now he will be 33 years old before the 2012 season begins, so time is of the essence.

A quick-hitting offense that needs a proven tight end like Cleveland or St. Louis would be a viable option, as both provide a stud running back to create the setup of play-action.

Andre Carter, DE

In addition to Andre Carter's durability concerns, he will be turning 33 years old before the 2012 NFL season.

Despite that being a similar situation to Dallas Clark, the defensive end position however, is not. Tight ends in today's NFL don't do nearly as much blocking and Clark's the type of target that was primarily used to move the chains.

Defensive ends, on the other hand, are sitting ducks for crack-blocks from receivers, pulling guards coming down the line and fullbacks leading running backs in the backfield.

In short, defensive ends take more shots than tight ends and although Carter had a strong 2011 campaign with 52 tackles, 10 sacks and two forced fumbles, his season being cut short is a red flag. Fortunately for Carter though, he is a proven consistent performer and has the experience to contribute as part of a rotation.

Teams such as Tennessee, Tampa Bay and Carolina that need talent and depth for the pass rush rotation should strongly consider Carter to help with the defensive rebuilding process.

Domonique Foxworth, CB

When on the field, Domonique Foxworth is as productive of a corner as you'll find in pro football. From 2005-09 he made a solid impact with the Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens by recording 264 tackles and defending 54 passes.

2009 was Foxworth's last full season (Ravens) as he accounted for 53 tackles, four picks and defended 16 passes. Unfortunately, Foxworth has basically missed the past two seasons to injury and even though he's just 29 years old, injuries do shorten careers.

With such impressive production and reliability early in his career, however, it would be surprising to see Foxworth not get a look for this season. His size can accommodate anyone needing a nickel/dime back like the Colts, Bears or Redskins.

A long-term deal is unlikely considering his durability flags, but Foxworth has the experience and proven skill set when healthy to be a significant contributor in a limited role.

Ryan Grant, RB

After missing virtually the entire 2010 campaign, Ryan Grant came back rather strong in 2011 by gaining 827 total yards for the Packers.

And it seems like so long ago, but Grant did have two 1,200-plus yard seasons in 2008 and 2009 that propelled him to the complete NFL running back status. A reliable every-down ball-carrier, Grant is still on the market and a great option as well.

He's easily one of the best running backs and offensive players available, so it seems rather unlikely that Grant doesn't get an opportunity this season.

A team like the Redskins or Titans could use him as a change of pace back, and Grant will see more playing time because of his experience and versatility. Now he will be 30 years old toward season's end, therefore, proving to remain consistently durable is key for a running back.

The question mark here is whether Grant's willing to begin 2012 as a No. 2 back. If so, a starting shot may arise considering there's always the chance of the No. 1 ball-carrier underachieving.

John Rozum on Twitter.