Top 5 NFL Defensive Players Returning from Injury in 2024
In a league that features world-beaters on the offensive side of the ball, top-level defensive players in the NFL make all the difference. Losing one of those guys to injury is a tough proposition for any squad. The list of NFL players coming back from injury around the league looks like a Pro Bowl roster. On defense, many of the injured players can’t make it back faster for their respective squads.
Linebackers, corners, and pass rushers all make an appearance on the following NFL injury tracker. While narrowing down a single player who will make the biggest impact in their return is going to feel like splitting hairs, an attempt to do just that will be made. Here are some of the most prominent defensive players in the NFL making their return from injury in 2024.
Which NFL defensive players are coming back from injury?
An All-Pro corner from Texas. Half of the NFL’s fiercest pass-rushing duo. A second-year DB from the AFC East. These guys, along with some others, are all among the most impactful defensive players hampered by injury last season. Much can change in a season, though. The situations aren’t all the same as the ones they left; for better or worse. In the case of the first entry on this list, a complementary corner developed in his absence.
Trevon Diggs - Dallas Cowboys
Source: Blogging The Boys
The All-Pro corner tore his ACL in practice last season and missed all but two games in 2023. Still, the Cowboys pass defense stayed afloat. They allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards to opposing offenses and the ninth-lowest yards per attempt figure among NFL defenses. Second-year corner DaRon Bland took a massive leap in his development as a boundary corner. In Diggs’ absence, Bland defended 15 passes and picked off another nine, returning five for touchdowns. He was named to the All-Pro First Team and now gets to run opposite of Diggs. Diggs is still just 25. In other words, time is still on his side. Should Diggs regain his pre-injury form at some point, the Cowboys will have one of the top corner duos in the NFL.
Joey Bosa - Los Angeles Chargers
Despite his brother taking the crown as the most decorated pro in the family, Joey Bosa has still been a formidable pass rusher for the Los Angeles Chargers. The four-time Pro Bowler appeared in nine games in 2023 before a Pedal Foot Sprain cost him his season in Week 11. He’s now only played in 14 games over the last two seasons. Still, Bosa has posted double-digit sack seasons in four of his eight NFL seasons. He recently turned 29, meaning age might start to become a factor in his ability to work back from injury. The injury history is also concerning for Bosa. If he can make it through double-digit games this season, Jim Harbaugh has a productive player to man the edge. He did suffer a hand injury in training camp, so his return will be a storyline to monitor.
Jaelan Phillips - Miami Dolphins
Source: The Phinsider
One could argue Jaelan Phillips’ achilles injury in Week 12 was the most impactful defensive injury in the NFL last season. The Miami offense is going to steal the spotlight. For good reason; they do it all and they do it well. Vic Fangio’s group, whether they enjoyed playing for him or not, was limiting opposing offenses. Phillips was a key part of that, posting 6.5 sacks and 17 total QB pressures. He was on track for his first double-digit sack season for the third-best pass rushing defense in the NFL. Given when the injury happened, it’s fair to question Phillips’ timeline and when he might return to the field. He’s currently on Miami’s PUP list, alongside fellow pass-rusher Bradley Chubb. Reports seem to indicate he’s targeting Week 1, though.
Christian Gonzalez - New England Patriots
The Oregon product looked like a hit for the New England Patriots early last season. He started in the team’s first four games, notching his first career interception and defending four passes. He ranked among the top 100 defensive backs in passer rating allowed and surrendered one touchdown in coverage. A shoulder injury knocked him out of Week 4 and ultimately, the remainder of the season. There is some ambiguity with Gonzalez’s status. However, as the preseason progresses, more information will likely become available.
Matt Milano - Buffalo Bills
The mainstay linebacker was missed by Buffalo last season. A former All-Pro selection, Matt Milano made it through just five games last season before breaking his leg in London in the team’s Oct. 8 game with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Milano did some work during the team’s spring program and seems to be returning to form during training camp. His presence in the middle of Buffalo’s defense will go a long way for 2023’s fourth-best total defense.
Honorable Mention
Jaire Alexander - Green Bay Packers
Source: Acme Packing Co
The Packers corner battled through a shoulder injury during the regular season. Still, he played in seven games, including Green Bay’s final game against Chicago with a playoff berth up for grabs. He also made it through both playoff games, intercepting Dak Prescott in the team’s upset win over the Cowboys.
Talanoa Hufanga - San Francisco 49ers
The former fifth-round pick became a force at the back end of San Francisco's defense rather quickly. He earned a First Team All-Pro nod in 2022, his second season with the team. He tore his ACL after 10 games and is currently on the 49ers’ PUP list. His presence in the team’s secondary wasn’t easily replicated.
Who is the best NFL players coming back from injury?
Crowning this title isn’t easy. Everyone listed on this injury tracker is going to make an impact when they make it back for their teams. However, in a league now dominated by other-worldly quarterback play, getting to those guys is mandatory for any successful defense. That being said, the Miami Dolphins play in a division with Josh Allen and Aaron Rodgers. Drake Maye is there, too. That kind of defeats the whole elite quarterback division point, though. Who knows, maybe he’s good too.
Anyway, Jaelan Phillips will be a critical part of limiting what opposing offenses are able to do. If his return to form takes longer than anticipated, a defense that got to the quarterback regularly last season might struggle to do so. His presence is the biggest variable for any team on this list.
