Stars returning from injury will shape 2018

The NFL saw an incredible amount of injuries hitting its stars last season. While every years sees the league turn into a war of attrition, 2017 outdid most with the losses of crucial players across most teams.

In fact, here’s a short list of some stars that missed either most or all of the campaign…

Odell Beckham Jr., J.J. Watt, Whitney Mercilus, Deshaun Watson, Ryan Tannehill, Eric Berry, Kam Chancellor, Richard Sherman, Cliff Avril, Brandon Marshall, Ryan Shazier, Aaron Rodgers, Julian Edelman, Dont’a Hightower, David Johnson, Carson Palmer, Jason Verrett, Jason Peters and Joe Thomas.

With the exception of Shazier (injury), Sherman (signed with the San Francisco 49ers) Palmer, Marshall and Thomas (retirement), all of the aforementioned names are expected to be back in the lineup with the team they left behind a year ago. Whoever comes back the healthiest might play a key role in the teams that rise from the ashes, and the teams that fall short of expectations.

Nowhere is that more true than with the Houston Texans. Houston is hoping to win the AFC South but will need Watt, Mercilus and Watson to be back in working order to do so. While Watson and Mercilus have never sustained serious injuries before, Watt has unfortunately undergone a pair of back surgeries over the past couple of years. If he can’t come back near his old form, it’s fair to wonder whether Houston’s defense is good enough to make noise come January.

The Kansas City Chiefs are also relying heavily on Berry, who was lost for the season with a torn Achilles during their upset win in Week 1 against the New England Patriots. Berry is an All-Pro safety with the ability to play strong, free or at linebacker, and without him, the Chiefs finished 27th overall in team defense. Considering the overhaul of that unit, Berry will need to be better than ever to help steer Kansas City to its third consecutive AFC West title.

Finally, what to make of the Green Bay Packers? Sure, they will improve assuming Rodgers is on the field , but will the defense be able to hold up its end of the proverbial bargain? The Packers are trying to make a few more runs before Rodgers moves on and hangs up the cleats, and the current secondary isn’t doing that endeavor any favors. Green Bay needs Rodgers not only to be healthy, but to play his absolute best.