By Ross Jackson
After weeks of being bitten by the injury bug, the New Orleans Saints have nine days in between games to try to get healthier. The team is adamant about doing so as they look to rebound from a frustrating five-game losing streak. So much so that even with the long week ahead, injured players are expected to be back at the facility working to get healthy over the weekend because practices begin next week.
On his day-after conference call on Friday with the local media, head coach Dennis Allen provided updates on several players, the progress they’ve made so far in their recovery and, in some cases, their potential timelines for return.
Quarterback Derek Carr
Allen said that Carr will get to throwing sessions this week as he begins to work his way back. He was clear, though, that the timeline for the Saints starting quarterback could push beyond next week’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. To the idea of returning for that matchup Allen said, “I’m not sure.” Though the following week against the Carolina Panthers, at the latest, looks to be a viable timeline. The injury, per Allen, is more about functionality than pain management.
Cornerback Paulson Adebo
After a rare injury for a football player, a broken femur, Adebo was taken to a local area hospital and underwent surgery. Allen clarified that nerve damage for Adebo was not a part of the discussion around his emergency surgery. It will be a long and arduous way back to the field for the team’s starting cornerback. But, he is on a timeline that will allow him to be back in action as he becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Not only is his season over, but the stark truth is that his time as a Saint may also have come to an end.
Center Erik McCoy
What feels like the turning point for the Saints season, the loss of McCoy, may be ending on the earlier side of his recovery timeline. After his injury in the third week of the season, the estimation for his return was 4-to-6 weeks. That would have put him back as early as the upcoming Panthers game in two weeks or after the team’s bye week when they host the Los Angeles Rams. Allen said on Monday that the starting center is rehabbing and doing well, though not ready to come back just yet. He is now eligible to come off of Injured Reserve.
Cornerback Marshon Lattimore
While Adebo will be out for the rest of the season, Lattimore’s injury seems to be far less significant. There’s a good chance, if that holds true, that he’ll be available next week in Los Angeles.
Right Guard Cesar Ruiz
Allen said that there’s a “good chance” that Ruiz makes his return against the Charger. He has been out for four weeks, also injured in the Week 3 game along with McCoy.
Tight End Taysom Hill
Like Ruiz, the team is hopeful that Hill will be able to return next week, as well. That will be a huge benefit for New Orleans, which has struggled to run outside the tackles recently, but have found some success running up the middle.
