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Comeback Season: 32 Key NFL Stars Poised to Return from Injury in 2025
The 2024 NFL season was defined as much by who wasn’t on the field as who was. Injuries sidelined some of the league’s top talent—playmakers, Pro Bowlers, and even MVP candidates—leaving teams scrambling and fans waiting. Now, heading into the 2025 season, a wave of long-anticipated comebacks is reshaping the league’s outlook.
Here are 32 of the most significant NFL players making their return from major injuries, and what their teams are counting on them to bring back to the field:
- Brandon Aiyuk (49ers): A promising start derailed by an ACL tear has the 49ers hoping their newly extended receiver can return early in the season, especially with Deebo Samuel gone.
- Derrick Barnes (Lions): Part of a banged-up Lions defense, Barnes missed nearly the entire season with MCL/PCL injuries but earned a new contract. Detroit needs him healthy in a wide-open NFC.
- Derrick Brown (Panthers): Carolina’s defense cratered without its anchor up front. Brown’s return from a Week 1 meniscus tear can’t come soon enough for a struggling unit.
- Bradley Chubb & Jaelan Phillips (Dolphins): Miami’s pass-rush duo both suffered ACL tears within a year. Now with a rookie edge rusher added to the mix, the team’s success hinges on these two regaining form.
- James Daniels (Dolphins): After a torn Achilles ended his season, the former Steelers guard joins Miami with something to prove—and a new contract to justify.
- Christian Darrisaw (Vikings): The blindside protector is back after ACL/MCL injuries. With Cam Robinson gone, the Vikings need Darrisaw healthy for rookie QB J.J. McCarthy.
- Stefon Diggs (Patriots): Traded to Houston, injured, then signed by New England—Diggs’ ACL recovery and chemistry with Drake Maye will be crucial for the Patriots’ offense.
- Trevon Diggs (Cowboys): The shutdown corner suffered a second knee injury requiring bone graft surgery. Dallas is hopeful—but uncertain—about his availability early.
- Evan Engram (Broncos): A shoulder injury ended his Jaguars run. Now in Denver, Engram brings veteran presence to a young, developing offense.
- Will Fries (Vikings): After breaking his leg in Week 5, Fries stunned the market with a massive deal. Minnesota is counting on him next to veteran Ryan Kelly.
- Troy Fautanu (Steelers): The 2024 first-rounder missed his rookie year. Now healthy, he steps into a starting tackle role on a reshaped Pittsburgh line.
- Chris Godwin (Buccaneers): An ankle injury cut short another strong campaign. Tampa Bay gave him another payday—now, they need production with Mike Evans aging.
- Dre Greenlaw & Alex Singleton (Broncos): Two linebackers with serious injuries. Denver is banking on their returns to stabilize a defense under new leadership.
- Javon Hargrave (Vikings): San Francisco’s splash signing missed most of 2024 with a pec tear. The Vikings are hoping he and Fries become veteran anchors.
- Dax Hill & DJ Turner (Bengals): Two cornerbacks lost to injuries contributed to the Bengals’ defensive collapse. With Joe Burrow healthy, Cincinnati needs defensive support.
- Aidan Hutchinson (Lions): The Lions’ top pass rusher was lost midseason to a broken leg. His comeback will determine how high Detroit can fly.
- DeMarcus Lawrence (Seahawks): A new start in Seattle after a Lisfranc injury ended his Dallas tenure. At 33, this is likely his last chance to shine.
- Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars): Injury after injury led to a lost season and front office changes. The former No. 1 pick must now reset under a new coaching regime.
- Christian McCaffrey (49ers): Injuries again limited the All-Pro back. While San Francisco remains optimistic, fantasy owners are watching his snap count closely.
- J.J. McCarthy (Vikings): A preseason meniscus tear stopped his rookie year before it began. Now, Minnesota is betting on him to lead a playoff-caliber team.
- Chris Olave & Rashid Shaheed (Saints): The Saints’ WR room fell apart midseason. With Derek Carr gone, Olave steps into a leadership role as Shaheed eyes a breakout year.
- Dak Prescott (Cowboys): A late-season hamstring injury sidelined him. With a massive contract in place, he must bounce back—and elevate new WR George Pickens.
- Rashee Rice (Chiefs): A brutal LCL/hamstring injury and an off-field suspension risk leave KC’s WR1 in limbo. His return could define Mahomes’ 2025.
- L’Jarius Sneed (Titans): The Titans gambled big to get the former Chiefs CB—then watched him miss 12 games. A healthy Sneed must anchor Tennessee’s rebuild.
- Andrew Thomas (Giants): Two injury-filled seasons later, the Giants still need their left tackle to live up to his All-Pro potential and big extension.
This comeback class isn’t just about health—it’s about redemption, legacy, and proving the skeptics wrong. With many teams staking playoff hopes on these players’ returns, 2025 could be one of the most dramatic NFL seasons in recent memory.