Everyone knows injury happen in sports everyday. Whether it's a pulled hammy in a backyard wiffleball game, or a torn ACL on the professional field...nobody is immune(well, maybe Brett Favre). However, injuries are most notable in the NFL.
The other major sports have their share of bumps, bruises, surgeries, and concussions, but it doesn't compare to the NFL. The league loses a score of marquee players every season, with no end in sight.
Is it the nature of the game? Sure. It is extremely violent, and with a short season, it's difficult to rehab in time to make it back. But, you can't help but wonder if there is more the NFL can do to protect the players. Maybe they already are...with more personal fouls and fines coming from gruesome hits, but still we have had a season with numerous season ending injuries.
I don't believe the league should wear a "collective skirt"...but maybe it's time for players to start looking out for one another a little bit.
Anyway, here is a list of players, who have either been on the injured reserve all year, or have been placed on it this season. This team could be a serious contender for the Super Bowl.
Let's also not forget that the NFL can't be too happy when superstars are out of the spotlight. I'm sure Tom Brady jersey sales are a bit down this season.
note...not all injuries were induced by legal or late hits.
QB: Tom Brady, New England: Last Year's MVP...enough said.
QB: Brady Quinn, Cleveland: He finally got his chance, and it lasted three weeks before
going down.
QB: Carson Palmer, Cincinnati: A long year in the 'Nati has been even longer without him.
Honorable Mention: Brodie Croyle, Derek Anderson, Jon Kitna
RB: Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay: Averaging over 4 yards per carry before the injury
RB: Laurence Maroney, New England: Hasn't been the same since rushing for 300 yards in the playoffs last year.
Honorable Mention: The Denver Broncos
FB: Brian Leonard, St Louis: The Rams lost nearly 500 all-purpose yards from 2007 when Leonard went down.
WR: Nate Burleson, Seattle: Coming off a 50 catch year, only played in one game.
WR: Greg Camarillo, Miami: Don't laugh...he was leading the Dolphins in receptions before going down.
WR: Javon Walker, Oakland: Tried to make a bit of a comeback...still talented...now injured.
Honorable Mention: Joe Jurivicous, Mike Furrey, David Tyree
TE: Randy McMichael, St. Louis: Just another target missing this season for Marc Bulger.
OL: The Jacksonville Jaguars
OL: Kendall Simmons, Pittsburgh
DL: Kelly Greg, Baltimore
DL: Robaire Smith, Cleveland
DL: Osi Umenyiora, NY Giants
LB: Angelo Crowell, Buffalo: Knee surgery has kept him and his 100+ tackles off the field all season.
LB: EJ Henderson, Minnesota: The Vikings possibly lost 100+ tackles when EJ went down.
LB: Keith Rivers, Cincinnati: Was projected to have over 100 tackles in his first season before Hines Ward jacked him.
LB: Zach Diles, Houston: Had 66 tackles in just games before his injury.
LB: Shawne Merriman, San Diego: They played well while he was suspended...not so much while he has been injured.
CB: Chris McCallister, Baltimore: Still one of the better corners in the league...had 3 picks before going down.
CB: Rasheen Mathis, Jacksonville: Was one of the high points this season for the Jags.
Honorable Mention: Marlin Jackson and Nathan Vasher
S: Rodney Harrison, New England: He may have slowed down, but the Pats lost his intimidation and toughness.
S: Roy Williams, Dallas: Like the Pats, the Boys lose toughness
Honorable Mention: Sammy Knight,
K: Martin Gramatica, New Orleans: 6/10 on field goals and perfect on PAT's before a groin injury sidelined him
P: Mat McBriar, Dallas: Was averaging 49 yard per punt before the injury
KR: Felix Jones, Dallas
2 comments:
I nominate Mike Nugent to take the spot of Gramatica.
I would also like to point out the Cowboys missed out on a lot of horse collar tackles being called against them when R-Will-Okie was on the bench.
The Nuge would be a good candidate...but c'mon, it's Gramatica.
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