ESPN College Football

Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game of football. Each season some of the nation's finest talent is lost to injury, but those teams that avoid the injury bug or are able to overcome injuries to top players often are among the last standing come the first week of January.

The following is a look at 10 key players attempting comebacks in 2004, after missing time due to injury last season. In some cases (such as Nebraska TE Matt Herian), the player is attempting to return from a season-ending injury that required major reconstructive surgery. In other cases (such as Tennessee QB Erik Ainge), the player simply missed considerable time and is looking to rebound with a healthy season.

Memphis RB DeAngelo Williams and New Mexico RB DonTrell Moore face challenging comebacks of their own following severe knee injuries suffered in bowl games last year. But this list includes only players attempting comebacks after missing significant playing time during the 2004 college football season.

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