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Rams' Offensive Star Named as Potential Comeback Player of the Year
Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports

The 2025 NFL season is approaching, with training camps set to begin in July. That means the media and fans are submitting their predictions for divisional winners, playoff teams, and much more. That includes the NFL Honours that are announced on the Thursday before the Super Bowl.

One of the awards is Comeback Player of the Year, with the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow being honored with the award for the second time in 2024. PFF has compiled a list of players, one from each team, who could be in the running with a good season. They believe Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is the No. 1 candidate from Sean McVay's roster.

The award is typically presented to a player who has returned from a serious injury, such as Alex Smith in 2020, when he played for the Washington Commanders. Now retired, Smith suffered a fracture to his tibia and fibula in his right leg during the 2018 season. Despite the potential for amputation due to infection and 17 surgeries, he suited up again in 2020, earning him the honor.

The article acknowledged that some players had missed more time, but considering his previous numbers from his 2023 rookie season. He could be in contention with a sizemick 2025.

"Other players on this list may have missed more time than Puka Nacua, as he still played in 11 games in 2024. That said, the magnitude of his star power could make him a strong Comeback Player of the Year prospect."

Players such as Geno Smith in 2022, who had a tremendous season with the Seattle Seahawks. It was his first season as a starter since his time at the New York Jets in 2014.

Nacua is a long shot for the award in 2025, but if he does put up better numbers than his rookie season, he may have a shot. If he does achieve that, he may be eyeing up a bigger prize in the Offensive Player of the Season, and he has the roster to help him.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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