If we don’t look out, NFL running backs are going to start ripping out their ACLs on purpose.
As recently as a few years ago, a knee reconstruction was the worst possible scenario for a runner. But this year, they’re bucking the trend and performing better than pitchers coming off Tommy John.
Better than ever
Rashard Mendenhall made his 2012 debut in Week 5 and somehow looked better than he did before last year’s ACL tear. He was quicker to the edge and showed great burst through small holes. Mendy emerged setback-free and is locked in as a feature back.
Cream is back
Adrian Peterson and Jamaal Charles were the league’s top-two natural runners before going down with 2011 knee tears. They still are today. And most importantly, their teams aren’t holding back workloads.
Green means go
Now that Cedric Benson (foot) is out at least eight weeks, the Packers are turning to Alex Green as their starter. Green is a 2011 third-round pick that tore his ACL midway through last season. Given what we’ve seen with backs off knee tears this season, Green is worth owning.
