After watching Micah Parsons’ ACL injury, many of us have wondered what happens next. What do Pro Bowl pass-rushers face when they come back from such a setback? I took a closer look at five edge defenders who faced this challenge in the last decade.
Let’s break down their injury history, age, recovery times, and performance after returning. This sheds light on what we might expect from Parsons moving forward.
Nick Bosa
Nick Bosa had a stellar rookie season in 2019 but tore his left ACL in Week 2 of his second season, at just 23. He missed the entire 2020 season but came back strong in 2021. Over the next four seasons, he made the Pro Bowl every year, racking up an impressive average of 13.4 sacks per season. However, he tore his right ACL in Week 3 this season and is still sidelined.
Bradley Chubb
Bradley Chubb entered the league with a bang, posting 12 sacks his rookie year. Sadly, an ACL tear in Week 4 of his second season sidelined him for the rest of the year. He returned in 2020 and made it to the Pro Bowl. Fast forward to 2023, and Chubb found himself injured again, tearing his ACL in Week 17 of his seventh season. Although he could only manage 6.5 sacks post-recovery, he still demonstrates resilience.
Rashan Gary
Rashan Gary tore his ACL in 2022 after having the best year of his career. He made the Pro Bowl that season but struggled to regain his previous form afterward. He returned for the 2023 opener and has averaged around eight sacks since.
Chase Young
Chase Young, a rising star, was drafted second overall in 2020. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in his sophomore season and missed most of 2022. Post-injury, he has struggled, averaging only 4.5 sacks per season. Once a top prospect, his trajectory changed drastically after the injury.
Harold Landry
Harold Landry made his Pro Bowl debut in 2021 but tore his ACL shortly afterward. After a missed season in 2022, he returned to play in 2023. Currently, he averages around nine sacks per year, showcasing his determination.
Across the league, Pro Bowl pass-rushers have shown the ability to return after ACL injuries. However, the impact can be significant. Many players bounce back, but some experience a career shift. The only consistent Pro Bowlers post-injury in recent years are Bosa, Chubb, and Gary. Both Bosa and Chubb faced further injuries after their comebacks.
In conclusion, Micah Parsons’ journey will be one to watch. Will he defy the odds and return to form? Only time will tell, but hopeful fans are banking on his determination and skill to shine through.
For more on athlete recovery and injuries, you can check Spotrac for updated stats.
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