back in the game
- comebackRecovery after decline
- returnGo back again
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- redemptionRecovery or moral restoration
- second chanceRenewed opportunity after failure
revival · bounce back · rally · rebound · underdog · resilience · restart · renewed · fighting spirit · rematch · resurrection · momentum · turnaround · determination · fresh start · contender · rising · grit
competitive status
back in the gameout of the running
No longer competing
eliminated · knocked out · done for · finished · disqualified
recovery/viability
back in the gamedown for the count
Defeated beyond recovery
too far gone · dead in the water · game over · written off · irredeemable
engagement/activity
back in the gameon the sidelines
Not in the action
out of action · retired · withdrawn · checked out · disengaged