Every year, there are devastating injuries that tarnishes a team's chances of succeeding, or sidelines a player that simply makes the sport more enjoyable to watch. With that said, here is a list of the top five most devastating injuries of 2016. Don’t worry; you won’t have to re-watch them.
5) A.J. Pollock
(Getty Images/Chrisitan Petersen)
The Arizona Diamondbacks centerfielder enjoyed a stellar 2015 campaign, and was expected to be a focal point of the team’s offense in 2016. Already coming off of an elbow injury, Pollock re-injured his elbow on a slide home in the preseason. Shortly after the game, it was announced that his season was essentially over before it even began. He ended up playing in just 12 games and The D-Backs missed the playoffs with a 69-93 record.
4) The San Diego Chargers
(Getty Images/Peter Aiken)
Can this team catch a break? In a matter of three weeks, the Chargers lost wide receiver Keenan Allen (torn ACL), running back Danny Woodhead (torn ACL), and linebacker Manti Te’o. San Diego subsequently finished last in the AFC West (currently 5-10), and gave the Cleveland Browns their only win of the season. If it wasn’t bad enough, Allen’s 2015 campaign was cut short after suffering a lacerated kidney. If you’re a prospect heading into the 2017 NFL draft, you probably don’t want to be drafted by this team.
3) Adrian Peterson
(Getty Images/Tom Dahlin)
The reigning 2015 rushing yards champion was hoping for at least one more productive season in purple and yellow, but the football Gods had other plans. 'All-Day" suffered a torn meniscus in week two of the regular season, and was sidelined for 11 games. The Vikings struggled to find a solid ground attack for the remainder of the season, and eventually found themselves outside of the playoff picture. AP returned in week 15, but sustained another injury (groin). You have to wonder if the future hall of famer has played his last game as a Viking.
2) Derek Carr
(Getty Images/Thearon W. Henderson)
Poor Derek Carr. Poor Raiders teammates. And of course, poor Raiders fans. Carr, who established himself as an elite quarterback this year, broke his fibula last Sunday and has already been ruled out for the rest of the season. Matt McGloin, who has not started a game since 2013, will be given the keys to the Raiders’ ride. Who knows what the longtime backup has in store, but it will certainly be interesting to see if they can squeak their way through the postseason with him. Regardless, Carr undoubtedly gives the Raiders the best chance at winning every time he hits the field.
1) Steven Stamkos
(Getty Images/Mike Carlson)
Things were looking great for the Lightning, who held a 10-7 record with Stamkos. Their season took a turn for the worse though, when the captain injured the lateral meniscus in his right knee. The Ontario native was enjoying an excellent campaign, having scored nine goals and 11 assists. The Lightning have been a different team without him, but are hoping his return will help catapult them into the playoffs. He is hoping to hit the ice in March.
