Most Valuable Players Returning from Major Injury Last Season

Although injuries are inevitable in the NFL, a team’s playoff aspirations can change in an instant if its most valuable player suffers a season-ending injury. That happened to several playoff-hopeful teams in 2014. Some of the injuries were gruesome enough to suck the life out of the stadium in addition to affecting playoff odds.

We’re going to focus on the rehabilitation of six NFL stars coming back from a season-ending injury. Five of the six teams getting their most valuable players back on the field failed to make the playoffs last season. They’re hoping that the presence of these individuals for 16 games will be the difference between a title run and missing the playoffs.

Each of these players left a gaping hole on the roster when he was out of the lineup. Since each one is so irreplaceable and valuable, there’s just no way for his team to compensate adequately. Only players who fit that criteria have made this list.

If any of these players fail to return to 100 percent this fall, expect their teams to struggle without their best performers. We’re hoping that all of these individuals are in prime form, as each is known as one of the better players at his respective position.

Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals

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It’s almost impossible to win in the NFL without good quarterback play. The chasm between good starters and average ones is big enough for teams to invest heavily into finding functional quarterbacks. When the Arizona Cardinals have Carson Palmer, they have one of the 15 best quarterbacks in the NFL.

That, plus a great supporting cast and coaching staff, is what gives this team Super Bowl aspirations. Palmer was excellent in 2014 before suffering a torn ACL. The Cardinals unsurprisingly collapsed after his injury and lost in the first round of the playoffs.

With Palmer in the fold, the Cardinals can expect their playmakers to be maximized. Palmer was as efficient as ever last season, in addition to his usual big-play nature. If he’s 100 percent in 2015, then the Cardinals will be very dangerous once again.

The early buzz in training camp is very good on Palmer. His movement ability has been praised, and he is reportedly looking as good as ever, according to Jose Romero of ESPN.com. There’s always training-camp hyperbole, but this is encouraging news.

NaVorro Bowman, San Francisco 49ers

Tony Avelar/Associated Press

One familiar face the San Francisco 49ers have back after a tumultuous offseason is linebacker NaVorro Bowman. The former All-Pro was once atop the linebacker position in terms of talent, but an ACL tear in 2014 has put his outlook in jeopardy. He missed the entire 2014 season with the injury.

Bowman must be a force for the 49ers defense to return to glory. There are several major question marks around him. If San Francisco can get a highly productive season out of Bowman, then the players who are being thrust into bigger roles should have an easier task.

With a talent such as Bowman in the middle of the defense, the 49ers are able to do whatever they want schematically. When he’s healthy, he’s an artist while working off blocks and chasing down ball-carriers. He’s a rare playmaker at middle linebacker.

Branden Albert, Miami Dolphins

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The Miami Dolphins’ big free-agent addition in 2014 was left tackle Branden Albert. Albert earned a $60 million contract with Miami after his stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. His response to the new deal was delivering a career year in terms of effectiveness and quality play.

Albert’s effect on the Dolphins’ otherwise-poor offensive line was as mammoth as his 6’5”, 320-pound frame. His ability to consistently win against elite edge defenders opened huge running lanes and bought quarterback Ryan Tannehill adequate time. When he tore his ACL, the Dolphins offensive line crumbled.

Before the injury, Pro Football Focus’ signature stats had Miami’s offensive line as the 12th best in pass protection. That’s not great, but it is good enough to win with. Miami was 5-3 when Albert was lost for the season.

After Albert went down, the Dolphins spiraled to a 3-5 finish. Their offensive line plummeted to last in the NFL without Albert during the last eight weeks of the season. He was by far the Dolphins’ most valuable player in 2014.

If Albert is back in the lineup at left tackle and is completely recovered, then the Dolphins seem primed for a playoff run. Without him, another mediocre season may be in the fold.

Derrick Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs

Reed Hoffmann/Associated Press

The 2005 first-round pick for the Kansas City Chiefs, Derrick Johnson has been a stalwart middle linebacker. He’s now 32 years old, though, and coming off a torn right Achilles. There are major questions about whether he’ll be as productive as he was before the injury.

Johnson’s role on the Chiefs is as important as that of any player in the league. The Chiefs have several high-profile defenders, but they lack even replacement-level middle linebackers when Johnson is out of the lineup. Plus, his veteran savvy and leadership are irreplaceable.

As well as the Chiefs defend passing plays, Johnson is required for this unit to be great at stopping the run. There were too many instances in 2014 where his replacement couldn’t get to the gap or shed a block when needed. Those are things Johnson excels at.

If Johnson is back at or near 100 percent, expect the Chiefs to have one of the best defenses in the NFL. It’s a stingy group with a range of young studs and grizzly veterans, which is perfect. It all depends on how well Johnson can move between the tackles, though.

Gerald McCoy, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Brian Blanco/Associated Press

Despite ending the 2014 season on injured reserve, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy still had a solid campaign. He played banged up throughout the year and still ended with 35 tackles and a more impressive 8.5 sacks. His presence as an interior rusher is crucial for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense.

His importance will only grow in 2015. The Buccaneers failed to add an impact pass-rusher via the draft and free agency, which will put a large amount of stress on McCoy. He’ll have to be the primary rusher again as the interior lineman, which is not a common thing for teams to ask.

The danger in asking McCoy to be the primary pass-rusher is that he’s more likely to sell out against the pass. This will open big running lanes for any offensive line with even average guards. Even in 2014 we saw this happen because McCoy couldn’t afford to be a run-stuffer.

It’s a good thing the Buccaneers invested heavily in their offense this offseason. They’ll need to win in shootouts because their defense just won’t be able to create a large amount of pressure. If McCoy isn’t 100 percent, their need for front-seven help will increase exponentially.

Alex Mack, Cleveland Browns

David Richard/Associated Press

The Cleveland Browns have built their offense from the inside out. They boast potentially the best offensive line in the NFL, and that’ll hopefully ease the pressure off an underwhelming group of playmakers. If the Browns can control the clock and keep games low-scoring, then their plan to make the playoffs may come to fruition.

Center Alex Mack is a huge part of what the Browns plan to do. He’s an elite center who greatly affects both the passing and running game. His ability to control defenders helped him earn a massive $42 million deal with the team.

Without Mack in the lineup because of a broken leg, the Browns offensive line saw a decline in performance from the center position. In just five weeks, Mack amassed a Pro Football Focus grade of 6.9. He was on pace to be among the top-rated centers—if not the highest-rated center—in the league.

Mack’s status should be fine for the 2015 season since his injury was a broken bone and not a torn ligament. That’s great news for the Browns, who need as much help on offense as they can get.

All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com.

Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. 

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