NFL Comeback Players to Watch in 2024: Rodgers, Burrow & More

The NFL Comeback Players to Watch in 2024 season features several superstar players returning from significant injuries that derailed their previous campaigns. These comeback stories could reshape playoff races, fantasy football landscapes, and even MVP voting. In this comprehensive 1,500+ word guide, we’ll analyze:

✔ The most impactful NFL players returning from injury
✔ How their recoveries are progressing in training camp
✔ Statistical expectations for their 2024 seasons
✔ Fantasy football implications of their returns
✔ Historical comparisons to other great NFL comebacks

Let’s examine the top 5 NFL comeback candidates for 2024 and what their returns mean for the league.

1. Aaron Rodgers (QB – New York Jets)

Injury: Torn Achilles (Week 1, 2023)
Recovery Timeline: 9 months (ahead of schedule)

2024 Outlook:

• Appears fully recovered based on training camp footage

• Showing elite velocity on deep throws to Garrett Wilson

• Jets upgraded offensive line with Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses

Key Factors to Watch:

• Mobility in the pocket (Achilles affects push-off strength)

• Chemistry with new weapons Mike Williams and Malachi Corley

• Durability behind revamped O-line

Fantasy Impact:

• Currently going as QB12 in drafts (massive upside)

• Makes Garrett Wilson a potential top-5 WR

Latest Update:
According to NFL Newsz, Rodgers has taken 100% of first-team reps with no limitations.

2. Joe Burrow (QB – Cincinnati Bengals)

Injury: Torn wrist ligament (Week 11, 2023)
Recovery Timeline: 8 months (fully cleared)

2024 Outlook:

• Reports no pain when throwing deep outs and comebacks

• Reunited with healthy Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins

• Bengals improved O-line with Trent Brown at RT

Key Factors to Watch:

• Early-season touch on intermediate throws

• Willingness to step into pressure after injury

• Potential contract extension looming

Fantasy Impact:

• Being drafted as QB5 behind Josh Allen

• Could return to 5,000-yard passing potential

3. Kirk Cousins (QB – Atlanta Falcons)

Injury: Torn Achilles (Week 8, 2023)
Recovery Timeline: 10 months (full participation)

2024 Outlook:

• Already building rapport with Drake London and Kyle Pitts

• Falcons added Darnell Mooney in free agency

• Running game with Bijan Robinson will reduce pressure

Key Factors to Watch:

• Deep ball accuracy (Achilles affects push strength)

• Chemistry with new head coach Raheem Morris

• Play-action effectiveness in new scheme

Fantasy Impact:

• Great late-round QB2 with QB1 upside

• Revives value of Falcons pass-catchers

Latest Update:
The official NFL website noted Cousins has been most impressive among returning QBs in early camp.

4. Nick Chubb (RB – Cleveland Browns)

Injury: Devastating knee injury (Week 2, 2023)
Recovery Timeline: 12+ months (likely PUP list to start)

2024 Outlook:

• Recently cleared for limited practice participation

• Browns being extremely cautious with his workload

• Jerome Ford will handle early-down work initially

Key Factors to Watch:

• Cutting ability in change-of-direction drills

• Power through contact at goal-line situations

• Timeline for full workload reinstatement

Fantasy Impact:

• High-risk, high-reward RB3/4 stash

• Could be league-winner if healthy by playoffs

5. Cooper Kupp (WR – Los Angeles Rams)

Injury: Hamstring/ankle (missed 5 games in 2023)
Recovery Timeline: Fully healthy entering camp

2024 Outlook:

• Appears to have regained explosive burst

• Building strong connection with Matthew Stafford

• Puka Nacua’s emergence actually helps reduce coverage

Key Factors to Watch:

• Separation against press coverage

• Red zone usage with new TE Colby Parkinson

• Ability to stay healthy for full 17-game season

Fantasy Impact:

• Currently being drafted as WR15 (huge value)

• Could return to top-5 WR status if healthy

Historical NFL Comeback Comparisons

For more in-depth injury analysis, visit NFL Newsz.

Fantasy Football Draft Strategy

Target These Comeback Players At Their Current ADPs NFL Comeback Players to Watch in 2024:

• Aaron Rodgers (Round 10+) = Steal of drafts

• Cooper Kupp (Late 3rd/Early 4th) = League-winning upside

• Joe Burrow (5th-6th round) = Consistent QB1 production

Avoid Until Late Rounds:

• Nick Chubb (injury uncertainty)

• J.K. Dobbins (multiple major injuries)

Final Verdict: Who Will Have the Best Comeback?

Most Likely to Succeed:

1. Joe Burrow (young, elite weapons)

2. Aaron Rodgers (motivated, improved team)

3. Cooper Kupp (proven track record when healthy)

Biggest Risk:

• Nick Chubb (knee injuries tough for RBs)

For daily training camp updates on these comeback players, bookmark NFL Newsz.

Read More:

Key Takeaways

• Aaron Rodgers looks fully recovered and motivated

• Joe Burrow has MVP potential if wrist holds up

• Cooper Kupp could be this year’s fantasy steal

• Nick Chubb remains high-risk but high-reward