10 NFL Players Trying To Make An Injury Comeback In 2014

10 NFL Players Trying To Make An Injury Comeback In 2014

Rob Gronkowski
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Every year, key players in the NFL suffer significant injuries and miss large chunks of the season. For those who are stars, getting back on the field is not only crucial in their personal success, but also their teams' success. The NFL players on the following list went down last season and are now looking to pick up the pieces in 2014. Here are 10 players who are looking to make an injury comeback in 2014.

10. Brian Hoyer, QB Cleveland Browns

Brian Hoyer
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10. Brian Hoyer, QB Cleveland Browns

Brian Hoyer
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Brian Hoyer's 2013 season was an interesting one in that he began the year third on the depth chart behind Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell. But when Weeden went down in week No. 2, Hoyer was named the starter the following week. He went on to start three games in a row — all wins — for Cleveland until a knee injury knocked him out for the season. Now, Hoyer will look to regain his 2013 form and show that he belongs in the NFL as a starting QB.

9. Jermichael Finley, TE Free Agent

Jermichael Finley
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9. Jermichael Finley, TE Free Agent

Jermichael Finley
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Last season, Jermichael Finley was having a solid season before a neck injury forced him to miss most of the 2013 season. Now, Finley has the decision of trying to continue to play football for the Green Bay Packers, or accepting a $10 million insurance policy to walk away from the game. At 27, Finley still has the urge to play and has been seeking clearance from the Packers' medical staff. He was on pace to have a great season at TE last year.

8. Doug Martin, RB Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Doug Martin
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8. Doug Martin, RB Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Doug Martin
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After a stellar rookie season in 2012, Doug Martin failed to live up to the hype in his sophomore year mainly due to a shoulder injury that forced him on the IR. Only playing in six games, Martin will try to regain his rookie season form, but at 5-foot-9, the one known as "Muscle Hamster" could be showing that his stature may hinder his career. On a revamped team in Tampa, Martin will be a key component on offense and will carry the unit.

7. Jeremy Maclin, WR Philadelphia Eagles

Jeremy Maclin
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7. Jeremy Maclin, WR Philadelphia Eagles

Jeremy Maclin
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Unfortunately for Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin, 2013 was a tough year after he suffered a torn ACL during training camp and missed the season. In 2014, the Eagles' offense is has a different feel to it than when he last played in 2012, including the rise of Nick Foles and Chip Kelly's fast-paced offense. Maclin will play a large role alongside Riley Cooper at WR, and Philadelphia will rely on him to return to form and continue to be a playmaker.

6. Ryan Clady, LT Denver Broncos

Ryan Clady
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6. Ryan Clady, LT Denver Broncos

Ryan Clady
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For Ryan Clady, one of the best left tackles in the NFL today, 2013 was a season to forget. Playing in only two games, Clady returns to a Broncos team that made an appearance in the Super Bowl last year. Peyton Manning will be glad to see the three-time Pro Bowler along the offensive line, and Clady's return from injury will help to open holes in the running game as well.

5. Reggie Wayne, WR Indianapolis Colts

Reggie Wayne
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5. Reggie Wayne, WR Indianapolis Colts

Reggie Wayne
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At 35 years old, WR Reggie Wayne is certainly on the tail-end of his NFL career. In 2013, Wayne reached the 1,000 career reception mark, only to tear his ACL a week later. He played in seven games, but will continue his career with a young Colts team that has made the playoffs under the leadership of quarterback Andrew Luck. Wayne will continue to mentor the receivers as well as help the team make the playoffs for the third year in a row.

4. Percy Harvin, WR Seattle Seahawks

Percy Harvin
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4. Percy Harvin, WR Seattle Seahawks

Percy Harvin
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After sitting out almost the entire regular season, Percy Harvin came back strong in the playoffs, including scoring a touchdown in the Super Bowl to help rout Denver. 2014 could be a big year for the Florida product, and he should see significant touches in the offense now that former Seahawk Golden Tate signed with Detroit in the offseason. Harvin will also return kicks.

3. Julio Jones, WR Atlanta Falcons

Julio Jones
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3. Julio Jones, WR Atlanta Falcons

Julio Jones
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A foot injury cost Julio Jones most of 2013, and now one of the best receivers in the NFL is showing signs that the injury is still hampering him. Reports suggest that Jones will be limited in training camp as to not irritate the injury. Before being sidelined, Jones had 41 catches for 580 yards and two scores, and will now be the focal point of the Falcons' passing game along with Roddy White, who had his share of injury problems in '13.

2. Sam Bradford, QB St. Louis Rams

Sam Bradford
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2. Sam Bradford, QB St. Louis Rams

Sam Bradford
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There was plenty of speculation about the Rams' desire to potentially replace their once-future QB, but those rumors were put to rest after the NFL Draft. Now, Bradford returns in 2014 after a torn ACL limited him to just seven games in 2013. With a strong defense and more weapons on offense, the Rams are building one of the better teams in football. Bradford's success this season will hinge on whether he can perform at a high level after injury.

1. Rob Gronkowski, TE New England Patriots

Rob Gronkowski
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1. Rob Gronkowski, TE New England Patriots

Rob Gronkowski
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2013 was Rob Gronkowski's first as the featured TE for the Patriots, and unfortunately he was kept out most of the year between four arm surgeries, a back surgery, and then finally a torn ACL during the season. While only able to play in seven games, Gronk caught four touchdowns before the ACL injury knocked him out for the season. He anticipates playing a full season in 2014, but the Patriots must monitor their top receiving target's progress.

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