Rating the potential impact of 5 stars coming off suspensions
Over the next two weeks, a number of prominent players will make their long-awaited returns to the field after completing three- and four-game suspensions to start the season.
All of them will give their respective teams a boost in some fashion, but some could put a contending club over the top.
Here's a look at the potential impact of the most notable players:
Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
Impact rating: ★★★★★
This one's a no-brainer. Arguably the greatest quarterback in NFL history will return to a Patriots squad that could be sitting at 4-0 next week. Who would have predicted that heading into the season? New England has a well-rounded roster, easily the league's best coaching staff, and you can bet Brady will have a little extra motivation after the insufferable Deflategate saga led to his four-game ban. Another run at a perfect season is entirely possible.
Le'Veon Bell, RB, Steelers
Impact rating: ★★★★☆
As is the case with Brady, it's borderline unfair that an already explosive offense is adding one of the NFL's premier talents. Bell should immediately re-emerge as a centerpiece for the high-powered Steelers attack, providing the perfect complement to a passing game centered around the unstoppable duo of Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown. If there's one AFC team capable of challenging New England, it may be a Steelers squad finally back at full strength.
Josh Gordon, WR, Browns
Impact rating: ★★☆☆☆
Gordon is a rare specimen, that much we know. He appeared to only be tapping into his potential in a 2013 season in which he racked up a league-leading 1,646 receiving yards before a pair of lengthy suspensions. What's uncertain is how much time Gordon will need to round back into form. And even then, one receiver isn't going to make the difference for a rebuilding Browns squad. A potential trade remains the most interesting scenario for his value both in the short and long term.
Vontaze Burfict, LB, Bengals
Impact rating: ★★★★☆
Burfict's punishment for repeated violations of player safety rules left the Bengals without one of their most reliable defenders for the first three games of the season. His absence didn't generate much talk over that stretch, but it's clear Cincinnati misses him both in coverage and in run support. Look for Burfict's return Thursday night to lead the turnaround for what's long been one of the league's most complete defenses. The Bengals' time below .500 won't last long.
Marcell Dareus, DT, Bills
Impact rating: ★★☆☆☆
The Bills have indicated Dareus will be back in the mix when his four-game suspension ends next week, meanwhile cautioning he'll be on something of a snap count as he gets into playing shape. Given that he suited up for just one preseason contest before checking into rehab, it could be quite a few games before he recaptures the Pro Bowl level we've come to expect. Is it too little, too late for another disappointing Bills defense?