NFL Comeback Player Of The Year 2016: Top 10 Candidates
By Neal Lynch
8. RB Arian Foster, Miami Dolphins
In 2014, Foster racked up 1,246 rushing yards (6th best in NFL) on 260 carries and eight touchdowns along with 38 catches for 327 receiving yards and five scores through the air in only 13 games to earn a Pro Bowl nod. Arian’s 95.8 rushing yards per game were second highest league-wide.
Foster’s 2015 season got off to a bad start when he tore his groin muscle in training camp and missed the first three games. His first game back in Week 4 against the Falcons was forgettable, but his next three outings were encouraging. Then he tore his Achilles tendon in the Week 7 match-up against the Miami Dolphins, whom Foster recently signed with.
Miami’s fifth round draft pick out of Boise State last year, Jay Ajayi, was considered the starting back after losing Lamar Miller (to Houston, ironically) and before signing Arian, prompting many to wonder how Foster fits in.
Ajayi only had 49 carries for 187 rushing yards and a touchdown in 2015, and the Dolphins drafted Alabama back Kenyan Drake in the third round. Of the three, Foster presents the most known option, but he might be seen as more of a one-year bridge and mentor to Ajayi and Drake.
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