With the majority of teams beginning voluntary offseason workouts, we are inundated with updates on players coming off injuries.
Most players returning from season-ending injuries are running or lightly working out after being on the shelf for months. These workouts are merely another step in the rehab process. Players running or jogging after a devastating injury has become a well-worn offseason trope.
Yet, in mid-April, a star player or two or three returning to form remains notable.
So let us run down some injury updates:
Nelson's ACL tear was a harbinger for a spiraling Packers offense that was one of the slowest groups of in the NFL in 2015. The receiver wasn't predicting when he'd be 100 percent, but is comfortable with his progress. Â
"We're right where we want to be," Nelson said of his rehab on Monday, per the team's official website.
A fully healthy Nelson in 2016 will have a positive chain reaction on the rest of Green Bay's receiving corps. Randall Cobb will go back to getting one-on-one matchups from the slot, while Davante Adams will slide back to a No. 3 role with Jeff Janis and Ty Montgomery battling for snaps.
The Kansas City Chiefs' all-time leading rusher is running, but not yet cutting.
Charles missed most of the 2015 season with another torn ACL. He won't participate in organized team activities, but expects to be fine for training camp.
"I'll be ready," Charles said, via the team's official website. "I can't wait."
The question entering 2016 is what role Charles will have. While he appeared to be a prime cut candidate with the emergence of Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware, the team insisted they wouldn't clip the 29-year-old back. Charles should see his workload heavily reduced as he returns from knee injury. Lightening Charles' load should keep him fresher for the stretch run.Â
Dallas is counting on Scandrick bouncing back from a season-ending knee injury suffered last training camp.
Like most on this list, Scandrick has yet to be cleared.
"The plan in place the whole time has been to be ready for Week 1 and not suffer any setbacks and continue to get strong," Scandrick said, per the team's website. "This is one of those things that once you feel like you're ready, you've got to keep going at it a little bit more to know that you're really, really ready.
"I want to continue to get my knee stronger. I don't want to rush it. I knew all along when I got hurt this has been a 12-month process just with the type of injury I had. Just by the graces of God I've been able to be ahead of schedule on everything. You'd hate to just get so far and then get out there a little bit too early and suffer any kind of setbacks. That would be something that would linger on. This is something that when I get to the season I expect to be a full participant, I expect to play 16 games, I expect to practice every day."
The Cowboys have deep-seeded questions at corner, which caused them to retain Brandon Carr and his overpriced deal. If Scandrick isn't 100 percent for the season, the Cowboys' secondary could be a sieve.
After missing all of his rookie season, Perriman is back running.
The team posted video of the 22-year-old wideout participating in running drills. The evidence shows Perriman running full stride with teammates. He looked fast on tape, but didn't cut, which will be a key step.
Perriman hadn't been seen running since September. He also wore a brace on his knee.
If finally healthy, the second-year receiver could provide some much needed deep speed for Joe Flacco and the Ravens' offense.
The quarterback is not limited in his off-field work, but still has more to do before he's fully cleared for on-field play. Around The NFL's Conor Orr broke down Luck's situation in full detail.
