So much has happened in the first month of the 2017 NFL season, yet time still seems to have flown by.
With players returning from suspension, and preseason injuries healing, a handful of teams are about to get major difference makers back on the field.
Here are three returning players you may notice in Week 5:
Doug Martin, Buccaneers
The Buccaneers getting Martin back for Thursday night is a huge bonus. With Jacquizz Rodgers coming off Sunday's season-high 107 total-yard performance, Martin can come in with fresh legs to propel the Buccaneers rushing game.
The Patriots' defense has been full of holes, but on a short week, Bill Belichick can make up for tired and weaker units with coaching. However, a ready-to-go Martin could be the bowling ball that knocks down Belichick's pins, gets his team to 3-1, and provide a well-rounded offensive attack.
Myles Garrett, Browns
The time is finally approaching for the Browns to see what their 1-15 season was all about. Hopefully. Garrett cryptically tweeted that he may be back from injury this week after missing the first month of the season with an ankle sprain.
At 0-4, the Browns need more than just Garrett to turn their season into something to be proud of, but when it comes to the simple idea of hope, the first overall pick can bring it. If Garrett can show flashes of the elite pass rusher he was drafted to become, he can give Cleveland fans optimism that there's light at the end of the tunnel.
David Irving, Cowboys
The Cowboys seemed to have found their edge rusher in Demarcus Lawrence, but the interior defensive line could use a jump start. Irving provided some key pressure for the Cowboys' defense late last season, notching three sacks between Weeks 14 and 15.
He'll come back from suspension to join defensive tackles Maliek Collins and Stephen Paea as Dallas prepares to face Aaron Rodgers for the first time since last year's playoffs. The Cowboys have put together an underrated pass rushing group, but they'll need everyone to play up to their potential to make the unit legitimately dangerous.
(Photos Courtesy: Action Images)
