NFL players looking to bounce back in 2023

Adams’s time in Seattle has been defined by injury and never more than last season, playing only one game due to a quad injury. He has a chance to return as a leader for Seattle’s young secondary, with the possibility of a major rebound for the team’s defense and Adams.

Beckham sat out 2022 after suffering a torn ACL in the previous Super Bowl with the Rams. Baltimore signed the veteran to a one-year deal as they embark on a more pass-heavy offense, and the former Giants star will be key to that change.

Injuries have been Bosa’s only major downfall during his excellent NFL career, and he played only five games during the regular season last year. The four-time Pro Bowler will be key to the defense’s effort to bounce back from a heartbreaking playoff defeat.

Donald was at the height of his powers in 2021, helping the Rams win a Super Bowl and being names an All-Pro for the seventh consecutive year. He played only 11 games due to injury last season, and has a very important bounce-back year ahead with very little talent around him in LA. Another great year could solidify Donald’s status on the short list of all-time greats.

Denver signed Gregory for big money last offseason, but he floundered in his first year with the team. He played only six games and recorded two sacks while the Broncos struggled. With Sean Payton bringing higher expectations, Gregory is also expected to rebound.

Hyde was lost for the year early last season, playing only two games. Buffalo’s secondary struggled for much of the season without him, though they’ve brought back the 32-year-old former Pro Bowler.

Jackson has managed to play only 12 games in each of the last two seasons, last year sitting out due to a knee injury. Despite the injury, Jackson earned a long-term contract, and is at the center of attention with new offensive coordinator Todd Monken expected to pass the ball more often. The new system could keep Jackson out of harm’s way and lead to a big season.

Jones was at the head of the 2021 rookie quarterback class after one season, but took a major step back last year. It’s thought that part of his struggles were due to the loss of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, but new coordinator Bill O’Brien has a history developing quarterbacks. O’Brien’s return to New England could be just what Jones needs.

Kupp won Offensive Player of the Year in 2021, leading the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Unfortunately, he played only nine games last season due to injury. He will be the centerpiece of the Rams offense again, and should put up big numbers in 2023 if he can stay on the field.

Landry made the Pro Bowl with 12 sacks in 2021, but he missed all of last season due to a knee injury. Tennessee’s pass defense suffered without Landry rushing the quarterback, so the pressure is on him to be at full strength this year.

Lattimore’s streak of consecutive Pro Bowls halted at three, as he played only seven games last season due to injury. He returns healthy, with the hope he will be a lockdown corner again for the Saints this season.

An All-Pro for the Colts defense, Leonard managed to play only three games last season due to multiple injuries. It was part of a lost year for Indianapolis, but Leonard could put his defense back on the map if he’s healthy following back surgery.

Miller got off to a blazing start for the Bills last season, but was lost in the second half of a season to a torn ACL. The recovery could be slow at age 34, though Buffalo is hopeful that Miller is back to normal for the stretch run.

Pierce was one of the best rookie stories of the 2022 season and well on his way to a 1,000-yard season before suffering an ankle injury. The Texans offense could receive a jolt with a new coaching staff and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, and Pierce could be in for a huge year if he’s at full strength.

Pitts had a rare feat of a 1,000-yard season as a rookie, though he wasn’t a big part of Atlanta’s passing game before suffering a season-ending knee injury last season. The Falcons offense is revamped with quarterback Desmond Ridder and rookie running back Bijan Robinson, while Pitts is expected to be a key part of the passing game.

Ridley sat out much of 2021 for mental health, and missed all of last season due to a suspension for gambling. Jacksonville scooped him up in a trade last year, and the former Falcons star has a chance to emerge as the No. 1 receiver in an excellent offense.

Slater played only three games due to a biceps injury after making the Pro Bowl in his rookie season. The Chargers are happy to have Slater back to protect Justin Herbert‘s blindside this year.

Stafford led the Rams to a Super Bowl in 2021 but played only nine games last season due to injury. Despite major changes in LA, the Rams retained Stafford for this season, with the hope that he can rebound at age 35 with full health.

Tagovailoa was having a breakout season under new head coach Mike McDaniel in Miami, but suffered his second concussion of the year down the stretch. That injury caused Tagovailoa to miss the Dolphins playoff run and caused him to contemplate retirement in the offseason. While the head injuries remain worrisome, Tagovailoa has a chance to be in the MVP conversation if he can stay on the field.

Taylor was part of Indy’s never-ending nightmare last season, playing only 11 games due to a chronic ankle injury. The former All-Pro enters the year healthy, though his status is unclear after demanding a trade in late July. Regardless, Taylor seems motivated to put 2022 behind him.

Injuries have plagued Thomas since he won Offensive Player of the Year in 2019. He played only three games last year after missing all of 2021. The Saints are hoping the see glimpses of his old form with former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr now under center.

Off-field issues led to an 11-game suspension for Watson at the start of his Browns career, and he looked rusty when he returned late last season. With a full offseason in the offense, Watson is hoping to show the Pro Bowl form he had early in his career with Houston.

Watt played only 10 games last season due to a pectoral injury, as he sacks went from 22.5 in 2021 to 5.5 last season. Pittsburgh is a different defense without him, and Watt hopes that both he and the Steelers defense return to the top of the league this year.

The hopes for sky high for Wilson and his new team last year, but the results were a disaster. He went 4-11 as a starter with a career-worst 60.5% completion rate. The hiring of Sean Payton brings optimism Wilson can rebound this year.

Young struggled to get over the hump after suffering a torn ACL in 2021. He played only three games, failing to record a sack. Young enters a pivotal year as he enters free agency next offseason, but the former Defensive Rookie of the Year has shown a very high ceiling.