BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 16: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals heads to the locker room after a play against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium on November 16, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
With the 2024 NFL regular season ending in just one week, the Comeback Player of the Year race is nearly over. Here are my top 5 candidates for the award.
5. Tim Patrick, WR, DET
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 05: Tim Patrick #17 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after scoring a 3 yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter in the game at Ford Field on December 05, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Although he has just 379 receiving yards, the fact that Patrick is even able to play football is incredible. Patrick has torn his ACL and Achilles in back-to-back years, and has still become a solid option in Detroit’s high-octane offense.
4. Justin Herbert, QB, LAC
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 6: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers duding training camp at Jack Hammett Sports Complex on August 6, 2023 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Herbert’s 2023 season may have ended with a trip to the injury reserve, but he’s returned with a vengeance. Not only have the Chargers secured a playoff spot, Herbert has completed 65% of his passes with 21 TDs to a miniscule 3 interceptions.
3. J.K. Dobbins, RB, LAC
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA – MAY 20: J.K. Dobbins #27 runs a drill during a Los Angeles Chargers OTA offseason workout on May 20, 2024 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The oft-injured running back is enjoying a healthy career year with the Chargers. The 26-year-old has been very effective for run-first head coach Jim Harbaugh, running for 842 yards and 9 touchdowns this season on 4.8 yards per carry.
2. Sam Darnold, QB, MIN
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Darnold was an afterthought in Minnesota until rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s season-ending injury. But since stepping into the starting role, the former Jet has excelled. Darnold has tossed for 4,153 yards and 35 TDs, which are both top five in the NFL.
1. Joe Burrow, QB, CIN
CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 30: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paul Brown Stadium on September 30, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Burrow returned from a 2023 season-ending wrist injury and has been nothing but lights-out. His 4,641 passing yards and 41 passing TDs lead the league, and he’s also completed nearly 70% of his passes.
