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Key Returnees - A Look At A Few Players Who Could Lead Their Teams To Prominence

Every year, selected teams tend to have their seasons at least partially ruined due to unforeseen injuries. A widely-held league belief is that a team generally has one or two big-time playmakers, and if one of these central pieces is lost because of injury, that team is in big trouble. Below you’ll find a few of the players attempting to come back from an injury, and what potential impact a successful return could mean for their teams.

Carson Palmer

Although the Bengals’ descent occurred within one playoff game after Palmer went down with a shredded knee early in the game against the Steelers, anyone could see that the Bengals were a different team without the talented signal caller. Although reports on his knee ranged from “standard” to “devastating,” Palmer is rehabbing diligently and holds out genuine hope that he’ll be ready for the start of the season. If he is, the Bengals could challenge for the Super Bowl. If he isn’t, the Bengals are in trouble, as last year’s backup QB, Jon Kitna, is now in Detroit, and the team has not yet established who this year’s backup will be. Regardless of who it is, he won’t be as talented or as respected as Palmer, who was becoming one of the league’s best QB’s at the time of his injury.

Ahman Green

Although there were many other injuries that hurt the Packers’ chances in a big way last year, Green had been a true force at RB for years prior to his injury. Some felt that he had lost a step before his injury, as he has taken a beating with all the touches he’s gotten in the past five years. However, the Packers’ new zone blocking, one-cut running scheme is tailor-made for a fast and powerful runner like Green, and if he can regain his form, the Packers’ offense will be formidable once again. Given their strong defense and new pieces on that side of the ball, a healthy and productive Green could help the Packers improve greatly on their 4-12 record from last year.

Kellen Winslow II

Although Winslow missed all of last season after an embarrassing motorcycle accident in a parking lot, he would’ve added a lot to a team that lacked weapons. He appears to be close to returning, and he has probably gotten a much-needed dose of humility. Add all that together, along with his unquestionable talent, and the Browns could have a serious threat down the seam on offense and a security blanket for a young QB in Charlie Frye. If the Browns put an offense together that can produce ball control and points, they’ll be tough to handle. Winslow could be a big part of that equation.

Donovan McNabb

McNabb had a miserable season last year, as he dealt with many issues, including the T.O. drama and a sports hernia that he played with for weeks before finally succumbing to the pain towards the end of the season. McNabb has now had time to heal both his body and his spirit, and anyone who watches football knows that the Eagles without McNabb are exactly what the Colts would be without Peyton Manning or the Patriots without Tom Brady. A healthy McNabb will continue to give opposing defensive coordinators fits, and the Eagles could bounce right back into contention with him leading the way both on the field and in the locker room.

Daunte Culpepper

The only player on this list to change teams during the offseason, Culpepper suffered a gruesome knee injury while with the Vikings, and his terrible season mercifully came to an end against the Panthers. When he’s right physically and mentally, there are few QB’s more talented than Culpepper, and QB has been the one key missing ingredient on some pretty good Miami teams since Dan Marino retired. With RB Ronnie Brown, WR Chris Chambers and TE Randy McMichael, the Dolphins could have a balanced and formidable offensive attack with a QB who can make it all come together. We know Miami’s defense will be good, as it always is, so Culpepper could push the Dolphins towards a division title if he returns to his form of 2004.

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