3 NFL Players Returning From IR That Could Make Huge Impacts in Second Half of 2019 Season

No football season is without its fair share of landscape-altering injuries, and 2019 has proven no exception. However, there are a select few names that are slated to come off the NFL's injured reserve list in the second half of the season, and if they return true to form, they may be able to do just enough to make some major contributions.

Here are three NFL players who can make a big impact upon their return from the IR.

3. Derrius Guice, RB, Washington Redskins

Derrius Guice Expected Return Timetable: Week 9 - Week 11
Big things were expected out of Derrius Guice heading into the year, but a torn meniscus put his sophomore NFL season on hold. However, based on the state of the struggling Washington Redskins, the second-year tailback could have a huge impact upon his return to the team. Washington's RBs have been less than stellar this season, averaging a combined 81.5 rushing yards per contest (No. 25 in the NFL) so far. Interim head coach Bill Callahan stated that running the ball with authority will take priority in his offense, which should mean that Guice could see enough work to distinguish himself from the rest of the backfield.

2. N'Keal Harry, WR, New England Patriots

N'Keal Harry Expected Return Timetable: Week 9 - Week 10
New England's receiving corps was arguably its strongest positional group at the start of the year. However, injuries (Josh Gordon, Phillip Dorsett) and the loss of Antonio Brown has left Tom Brady starved for targets. With a 6-foot-4 frame anchored by 225 pounds, N'Keal Harry had all of the makings of the big-bodied, physical pass-catcher that New England has been lacking since Rob Gronkowski retired this offseason. As soon as Harry gets back up to speed, the rookie wideout should play a strong role inside the red zone, and he could see a more expanded impact down the stretch, especially if Josh Gordon continues to miss time due to injury.

1. Nick Foles, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Nick Foles Expected Return Timetable: Week 11 - Week 12
The crown jewel of free agency last offseason, Nick Foles signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars with the expectation that he could be the franchise QB that's eluded them for so long. Unfortunately, the 30-year-old arm suffered a broken collarbone just 11 plays into his Jags' tenure, landing him on the IR. Rookie backup QB Gardner Minshew II has done an admirable job in Foles' stead, but the impact that the latter will have when he returns should not be underestimated. Foles has averaged an 87.75 passer rating over the last two seasons, and he has a Super Bowl MVP to show for it as well. In a crowded AFC South race, having a veteran presence who nows how to win big games should go a long way in improving Jacksonville's playoff chances.

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Mike Esposito is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Mike Esposito also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username espo6891. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.