Rushing To Judgement
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If you are a running back in the NFL, chances are you’ve been injured at some point this season. Rare is the running back who has been healthy throughout the year.
Several top backs, including Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams and Sammy Morris, are out for the season due to injury. That said, even in this year of the injury, one running back is going to have to lead the league in rushing.
Here is a quick look at the five most likely players to do so:
1) Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers
Parker has by far the most carries in the league this season and is currently second in the NFL in rushing yardage. The Steelers are a run first team and there’s a good chance that Parker will be able to run his way to a rushing title.
2) LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
LT led the league in rushing last year and still has a pretty good chance of doing so this year. While he’s currently 7th in the league, LT is an extremely explosive back who could go on a tear down the stretch run of the season.
3) Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts
Addai is fourth in the league in rushing despite missing a game due to injury. He’s been banged up since the first contest of the year but still has had an outstanding season. If he can remain healthy, he could climb the charts.
4) Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins
Portis has been on fire lately (333 yards in his last two games), as he sits third in the league in rushing. Portis, who has battled injuries over the last couple seasons, has stayed relatively healthy this season.
5) Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Peterson, the rookie out of Oklahoma, currently leads the league in rushing. The problem is a torn tendon in his knee will keep him out for at least a couple weeks. That said, he’s had such a spectacular season that he could conceivably miss two or three games, come back and still end up leading the league in rushing yards.
Who do you think will lead the NFL in rushing yards this season? Leave your comments here and let us know!
