It's practically a given that numerous big NFL stars will suffer devastating, season-ending injuries at some point during the year.
And when that happens, their teams' playoff chances may very well go up in flames (see: Manning, Peyton).
After sitting out for a long time and rehabbing their injuries (some way faster than others, i.e. Adrian Peterson), it's time the 2011 injury gang prove they can still perform at an elite level.
The Chicago Bears looked like a playoff team in 2011 until Jay Cutler went down with a broken thumb
Cutler will need to bounce back and connect with new addition and former Broncos teammate Brandon Marshall if Chicago wants to contend in the NFC North.
A torn ACL early in the 2011 season not only ended Jamaal Charles' season, but played a big part in Kansas City missing the playoffs
Charles will need to get back to the 2010 version of himself (1467 rushing yards, 6.4 yards per carry) in order for KC to contend.
On top of losing its starting running back in Jamaal Charles for the year, KC also lost their QB in Week 9
Matt Cassel had a solid 2010 in leading the Chiefs to the playoffs.
If he can team up with a healthy Charles, a postseason run is certainly not out of the question.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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