David Chao, MD
2 min read • July 19, 2023
Posted in
The wide receiver position represents one of the NFL's deepest areas as the league continues to emphasize passing. While many wide receivers enjoy significant name recognition, their current performance may not align with fans' perceptions.
Today, we discuss a couple of receivers and tight ends who aim to bounce back from a challenging 2022 season.
Beckham has encountered various injuries in recent years, including two torn ACLs that kept him sidelined for most of the 2020 and 2022 seasons. However, unlike Gallup, Beckham decided to sit out the entire 2022 season to allow his knee to heal. Before his ACL injury, Beckham showcased a return to form while playing for the Los Angeles Rams. If he can remain healthy and establish rapport with his new quarterback, Lamar Jackson, he possesses the talent to reestablish himself as a top wide receiver in the league.
Gallup endured a season-ending ACL injury during the 2021 NFL season. His recovery led to missing the first three games of the previous season, and upon his return, he struggled physically. Pro Football Focus’ data shows Gallup ranked 77th among 80 WRs with 50+ targets in receiving grade, 58th in yards per catch, and 77th in yards per route run. This season, with the addition of Brandon Cooks to help draw coverage away from Gallup and CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys' offense is set to benefit. In his second year post-ACL tear, Gallup is poised to thrive, particularly against weaker cornerbacks.
Waller faced several injuries over the past two seasons, missing six games due to knee and ankle injuries in 2021 and nine games due to a hamstring injury in 2022. During his limited time on the field last season, his explosiveness appeared diminished, as evidenced by a career-low 2.8 YAC (yards after catch). In the upcoming season, Waller has an opportunity to bounce back under a new system led by Brain Daboll. A similar scenario played out for Evan Engram when he signed with the Jaguars after being drafted by the Giants. Additionally, Waller is likely to be the primary target in New York.
Woods sustained a torn ACL late in the 2021 season, causing him to miss the Rams' playoff run. Nevertheless, throughout his career, Woods has been a consistent and reliable receiver. In the previous year, Woods faced challenges due to the Tennessee Titans' quarterback carousel. However, with his move to the Houston Texans and the emergence of quarterback C.J. Stroud, Woods is expected to be the top option in the Texans' offense. Furthermore, being two years removed from the ACL tear, he has a favorable chance to bounce back.
The No. 2 fantasy WR scorer in 2021, Samuel dealt with hamstring and MCL injuries throughout last season, impacting his availability and performance on rushing attempts. Furthermore, he experienced reduced effectiveness on downfield passes, averaging 11.3 yards per catch, down from 18.2. The combination of injuries and a revolving door of quarterbacks hindered his play. However, with either Brock Purdy or Trey Lance as quarterbacks, Samuel is anticipated to have a bounce-back season due to a healthy offseason and familiarity with both signal-callers.
Godwin suffered a season-ending ACL injury at the end of the 2021 season. Before the injury, he played a vital role in the Buccaneers' offense, emerging as a reliable target for quarterback Tom Brady. In the subsequent season, Godwin returned and achieved a career-high in catches, but his explosiveness seemed to have waned, evident by a career-low 9.8 yards per catch. With additional time removed from the ACL tear and his strong route-running, Godwin has the potential to make a significant impact upon his return.
It is essential to acknowledge that recovery from injuries can vary, and players may take different periods to regain their pre-injury form. While these players have the potential to bounce back, their success will ultimately depend on their individual recoveries and the circumstances surrounding their teams.
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Written by David Chao, MD
