After the injury: NFL running backs can return from ACL tears

Here's a look at three successful NFL running backs whose careers were affected by torn ACLs:

James, a first-round pick by Indianapolis in 1999, is 12th on the NFL's career rushing chart despite tearing an ACL in his third season. He had six consecutive seasons of 989 or more yards after that injury and played through 2009.

Brown rushed for 1,915 yards in his first two seasons with Miami before tearing an ACL in his third season. He rushed for 916 yards in his first season back but gained just 1,958 yards over the final six years of his career.

McAllister had three 1,000-yard seasons before tearing the ACL in his right knee in 2005. He returned the next year with another 1,000-yard season but tore the ACL in his left knee in 2007 and ended his career in 2008.