NFL players looking to bounce back in 2022

After making three consecutive Pro Bowls, Adams had a very disappointing 2021 season. He played only 12 games due to injury for the second consecutive season and had just 87 tackles and no sacks after recording 9.5 sacks the previous year. He will be key to Seattle’s plans in 2022 as they lean on the defense.

Bakhtiari earned All-Pro honors in five straight years, but the streak was halted last year due to a knee injury. He did get some work in during Week 18 and hopes to be back at full strength this year.

A former Super Bowl hero for the Patriots, Butler played three seasons in Tennessee before an abrupt retirement. He’s back after a year off and has some big shoes to fill as the Patriots try to replace J.C. Jackson.

Dobbins was excellent in his rookie season, averaging 6.0 yards per carry and emerging as Baltimore’s top back late in 2020. Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury last preseason and didn’t appear in the regular season. Baltimore is expecting a comeback and rebound now that he’s healthy again.

“Gus the Bus” has been quite a find for Baltimore as a former undrafted free agent who had over 700 yards rushing in each of his first three seasons. He suffered a season-ending knee injury before Week 1 but is set to be part of the running back committee again this season if he’s healthy.

Henry is the heart and soul of the Titans’ offense and rushed for over 2,000 yards as the league’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2020. A foot injury limited him to only eight regular-season games last year, and Henry’s yards per carry average declined by more than one yard. He’s looking to show his old form in his age-28 season.

Jackson made the Pro Bowl twice in 2018-2019, but his career has gone in the wrong direction since then. He missed time to injury last year and failed to record an interception for the second straight year. A new coaching staff and defense could revitalize him.

The fear with mobile quarterbacks is injuries, and the injury bug finally bit Jackson last year. He played only 12 games during the regular season and had trouble with interceptions when he did play, finishing with 13 picks. He looks to have a healthier season in 2022, along with the rest of the Ravens roster.

Jones had a breakout 2020 season, falling 22 yards short of 1,000 yards rushing. Tampa Bay found more comfort with Leonard Fournette and Gio Bernard last year, severely cutting Jones’ snaps heading into free agency. He has a great opportunity with the Chiefs, where he could upstage disappointing former first-rounder Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Not much was going right in the Browns’ passing game last year, including Landry. He played only 12 games and struggled with the team’s poor quarterback situation, averaging only 47.5 yards per game. A change of scenery in New Orleans could be what he needs.

Mayfield showed his ability in 2020, leading the Browns to the playoffs and an 11-5 regular season. He played through multiple injuries last year, and it showed with declines in nearly every statistical category. Mayfield has a chance to make things right as a part of the Panthers.

McCaffrey had nearly 2,400 yards from scrimmage in 2019, but he’s been plagued by injuries over the last two seasons — playing a total of 10 games. The expectations for McCaffrey are still very high, especially in fantasy football leagues.

A three-time Pro Bowler prior to last season, Peters was one of many Ravens who missed the season due to injury. He returns from his knee injury with the hope to rebound, along with a new defensive coordinator in Baltimore.

Robinson had one of his best seasons in 2020, finishing with 102 receptions for 1,250 yards. A rookie quarterback hurt his production last year, but Robinson found a great home in free agency with the Rams. He could be in for a big season garnering single coverage opposite Cooper Kupp.

A nagging groin injury limited Samuel to only five games last year after signing a lucrative contract in Washington. He will still get plenty of attention in the slot this year and the hope of a rebound along with new quarterback Carson Wentz.

Smith’s Pro Bowl streak was halted at two after missing nearly all of 2021 due to a back injury. The injury didn’t stop him from getting a big contract with Minnesota in the offseason, where he hopes to get back on track.

Smith-Schuster was a star early in his career, but he’s missed significant time to injuries in two of the last three years. He played only five regular-season games due to a shoulder injury last year in Pittsburgh, but Smith-Schuster is in a great situation as potentially Patrick Mahomes’ No. 1 wideout.

Stanley was an All-Pro in 2019 for the Ravens, but he’s been very unlucky with injuries over the last two years. He played only one game in 2021 but hopes to rebound while protecting Lamar Jackson’s blindside.

An ankle injury has plagued Thomas over the last two seasons. He played only seven games in 2020 and failed to take the field last season. He’s expected to be back in training camp and could make a huge difference as Jameis Winston’s No. 1 wideout.

Watt is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, but injuries have been all too common in recent seasons. He played only seven games last year, missing a large chunk of the season with a shoulder injury. Arizona is counting on Watt even more this season after losing Chandler Jones.

Wentz fell out of favor in Philadelphia and lasted only one season with the Colts after failing to lead the talented roster to the playoffs last season. Still, he’s a clear improvement over what Washington had at quarterback last year and has a bevy of young weapons with his new team.

White is one of the game’s biggest stars at cornerback, but he played only 11 games last year due to a knee injury. He’s still questionable for the start of 2022 but should return as Buffalo’s top corner when he’s ready.

Wilson’s stay in Seattle finally ended after 10 seasons and nine Pro Bowls. He made the Pro Bowl last season despite arguably his worst year, missing time due to a finger injury and struggling when he returned. He has a nice selection of weapons with his new team in Denver.

Winston went 5-2 as the Saints starter last season, but his season ended early with a knee injury. He’s set to see a huge upgrade in weapons this year, as the team has added Jarvis Landry and Chris Olave, along with Michael Thomas’ return from injury.

Young was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020, recording 7.5 sacks. He got off to a slow start last season with only 1.5 sacks in nine games before suffering a torn ACL, but there are expectations of a big rebound.