Injuries stymy NFL players every year. We can’t stop players from getting hurt, of course, but we can imagine what might have been if they had been able to stay on the field.
Here’s a projection of what could have been. Two RBs and two WRs could have had really good seasons … if it hadn’t been for injuries.
Courtesy: Kirby Lee- USA TODAY Sports
Ahmad Bradshaw, Colts: This RB broke his leg in Week 11 against the Patriots. Bradshaw had 725 yards through the first ten weeks, and he was Andrew Luck’s Red Zone favorite (8 touchdowns). Without that broken leg Bradshaw might have put up big numbers last year: 13 touchdowns and 1160 yards. The projections are based on Bradshaw maintaining his per-game rushing average (72.5 yards) for the rest of the season. That would have given him 205 total touches for the year. Instead, we watched Trent “Why did Oakland sign him?” Richardson take reps instead.
Courtesy: denverpost.com
Ronnie Hillman, Broncos: This guy did really well in a passing offense with Peyton Manning in control. Hillman gained 573 yards (with about 16 touches a game) and scored 4 touchdowns in 8 games. Hillman might have cleared the 1000 yard mark (projection-1146) with 8 touchdowns if it hadn’t been for foot injuries. His loss probably cost the Broncos during the playoffs. But that was last year. Hillman will need to show he’s healthy to secure a spot in the Broncos’ ’15 starting line-up.
Courtesy: bleacherreport.com
Martavis Bryant, Steelers: The Red Zone was a playground for this rookie beast! A Fantasy Player’s delight Bryant picked up 561 yards and had 8 touchdowns. Then came a shoulder injury. Had he stayed healthy this 6’ 4’’ WR would have made a huge (perhaps massive) difference for the Steelers, especially in the Red Zone offense. At the rate Bryant was going he would have ended the season with 898 yards and 13 touchdowns. His projected receiving TDs would have led all rookie WRs–tied (overall) with Jordy Nelson and Antonio Brown for 2nd in the league. What an outcome that would have been for a rookie that was picked halfway through the 4th Round of the NFL Draft. With size and speed he’s a certain target for Big Ben when it’s 3rd and long and the Steelers are in the Red Zone offense.
Courtesy: bleacherreport.com
Brandin Cooks, Saints: This Rookie could have been a game changer for the Saints. But he suffered a broken thumb against the Bengals and that was it for the season. If Cooks could have finished the year he could have had a projected 997 total yards along with 7 total touchdowns. What a difference that would have made for the Saints! Cooks will be back in ’15. NO will definitely need his production with WR Kenny Stills and TE Jimmy Graham gone for ’15.
