It’s no secret the Saints have been impacted by injuries this season significantly. Key players who are impact players have been out and are where the Saints are in desperate need of help right now. So the ultimate question is when will we get these guys back? The ultimate time frame for majority of these players is weeks 5-7 with some being a week to week basis. Here’s my analysis and estimate as to when we could see some of these guys back on the field.
Tre’Quan Smith: Smith has been dealing with injury problems his whole career in New Orleans and in the final year of his rookie contract it hasn’t helped his case for a new contract. During training camp he was dealing with a hamstring injury and was placed on IR before the season. He was eligible to return last week but there was no update as to when he would return. Smith can return back to practice this week for Washington’s game, if not this week then he will definitely be back for the Seahawks game.
Ken Crawley: Crawley was placed on IR along with Tre’Quan Smith with a hamstring injury as well. I haven’t heard much and I would assume it’s a similar situation as Smith, on a week to week basis and is based on how the individual recovers. If he doesn’t come back this week for Washington, then most definitely will be back for the Seattle game.
Wil Lutz: Lutz had surgery on his core and has been on IR since the 53 man roster was being lined up. With the bye week coming up, I would think Lutz comes back after the Washington game as an extra week to get back into the rhythm of things and ready to play against the Seahawks.
Michael Thomas: By far the most needed player on this team right now is Michael Thomas. The Saints have had problems with their receivers all season in terms of constant availability, separation and skill. He was placed on the physically unable to perform list after receiving surgery in the summer as opposed to the offseason (full story here). Thomas tweeted today that he could be returning soon. The first game he is eligible to return for is the Seahawks game and I fully expect him to be ready to play by that game.
Erik McCoy: The Saints have been without star center Erik McCoy since week one with a calf injury. He’s been present for practice but hasn’t practiced, but hasn’t been placed on anything which makes it a week to week basis. I doubt he practices this week, but he is believed to be back for the Seahawks game.
Terron Armstead: Terron is dealing with an elbow injury from the week three game against the Patriots. He took a helmet to his elbow from running back Tony Jones. I would say his return will be around the timeframe of the Bucs game (10-31) and Falcons (11/7).
Marcus Davenport: Davenport after having an electric week one was put on IR with a pec injury. It could’ve been a lot worse than it was as he only sustained a strained pec which can take 2-4 weeks. I think the Saints play it safe and have Davenport come back after the bye week.
Chase Hansen: Hansen was one of the special team players the Saints liked to use. He was placed on IR prior to the Panthers game, but I couldn’t find any additional information on the injury. He’s eligible to return this week for practice and I think he will. Just like Kwon, the week will determine his status for return this week.
Kwon Alexander: Kwon has been dealing with an elbow injury after playing week one against the Packers. He’s eligible to return to practice this week and I think that is what will happen. Based on how the week goes will determine if he plays or not this week vs Washington, but he’ll be back sooner than later.
Nick: Vannett: Vannett was placed on IR with a knee injury, and the Saints could definitely use his help the way Adam Trautman has been playing. Vannett is a solid blocker in the run and pass game. He’s eligible to return to practice this week but I don’t think he will be back until the week of the Bucs game (10/31).
David Onyemata: Onyemata is serving a six game suspension, so he will return for the game against the Buccaneers on Halloween.
Written By Kadin Janisch
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