All is not lost

Saquon Barkley suffered a torn ACL on Sunday. Other top running backs have suffered the same injury, with varying degrees of success upon their return. Here’s a look:

Adrian Peterson

The most incredible recovery from the devastating injury came from another one of the most physically gifted players in league history. Returning from an ACL tear in just eight months, Peterson was named the 2012 NFL MVP, while running for the second-most yards in a single-season. The 35-year-old is currently with the Lions.

Jamaal Charles

The former Chiefs star running back suffered an ACL tear in 2011, then returned one year later and earned three straight Pro Bowl honors. Charles retired following the 2018 season at the age of 32.

Frank Gore

Gore fell to the third round in the 2005 NFL Draft after suffering two separate ACL tears in college, but became one of the most durable and successful running backs in league history. The 37-year-old, who started Sunday for the Jets, ranks third alltime in rushing yards.

Deuce McAllister

The former Saints running back amassed 4,103 rushing yards in the three seasons prior to a 2005 ACL injury. McAllister ran for 1,057 yards in 2006, but suffered a second ACL tear the next season and finished playing in 2008.

Rashard Mendenhall

A former first-round pick, Mendenhall had 3,309 rushing yards in his first full three seasons, before tearing his ACL in the final regular-season game of the 2011 season. Mendenhall played just 21 more games, while running for 869 yards, then retired at the age of 26.