Don't expect NY Jets RB Breece Hall to win Comeback Player of the Year

The NY Jets are hoping to see running back Breece Hall return to full form in 2023 after a torn ACL cut his standout rookie season short after just seven games.

Hall has made remarkable progress in his recovery this offseason and appears to be on track to play Week 1. It's always tricky to project how players will perform in their first year back from a major knee injury, but all indications have been positive from Hall so far.

For that reason, many have pegged Hall as a potential early candidate to win Comeback Player of the Year in 2023. If Hall can pick up where he left off last season, it makes complete sense that he could make a push for the award.

However, there's likely one major obstacle standing in his way. That obstacle comes in the form of an obvious and surefire candidate who seems likely to win the award: Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin.

Damar Hamlin's miraculous recovery will likely prevent NY Jets RB Breece Hall from winning the award

On Tuesday, the third-year safety was officially cleared to resume football activities. He began working out with the team today, with the Bills' offseason program now officially underway.

Barring any unfortunate setbacks, Hamlin is going to play in 2023, and once he does, it'll essentially be a formality at that point. Hamlin is the only individual who makes sense to be named Comeback Player of the Year next season.

Hall could rush for 2,000 yards and win Offensive Player of the Year. Guys like Calvin Ridley, Javonte Williams, or even Trey Lance could put together All-Pro seasons. None of them will be able to compete with Hamlin.

And that's the way it should be.

This is a young man who came back from the highest form of adversity — a man who, just by living his life, is already defying the odds. When that tragedy occurred a few months back, the thought of Hamlin playing football again wasn't even a thought in the minds of most.

Now, less than four months after the incident occurred, Hamlin has been cleared to play. No player is more deserving of the Comeback Player of the Year award next season than Hamlin.

As for Hall, he can set his sights on being named Offensive Player of the Year or All-Pro. His focus is on returning to the field and picking up where he left off as a rookie.

That, and, of course, Hamlin's miraculous recovery, are what matter most.