By Ross Jackson
Early reports had indicated that this may be a possibility for the New Orleans Saints, but now head coach Dennis Allen has acknowledged the situation in his post-practice media availability on Wednesday. Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed may be out for extended time due a knee injury that will require surgery.
The speedy deep threat has been the team’s home run hitter all season, making several big plays downfield on offense and a 54-yard punt return touchdown on special teams. He has been one of the team’s most reliable and dependable pieces so far this season, and now he may end up on Injured Reserve.
No timeline is certain just, but Allen said that Shaheed will be headed out to Los Angeles soon to undergo meniscus surgery. Per ESPN”s Adam Schefter, that surgery will determine how long Shaheed will be out.
Shaheed popped up on the estimated injury report on Monday with a knee designation. Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football and NFL Network’s Insider Ian Rapoport both reported that there was a possibility for the Weber State alum to miss extended time. It sounds like the Saints are expecting that information in the coming days.
Without Shaheed, the Saints will need someone to step into the role of a big play threat downfield. Rookie wide receiver Bub Means played a similar role with Pittsburgh during his final collegiate year and will be in for an increased role in this week’s game while Shaheed and top receiver Chris Olave are both out. Olave is currently in concussion protocol on a short week.
Means could show enough Thursday night to earn more opportunities once Olave returns to help fill the major void left by Shaheed’s potentially extended absence. During training camp, undrafted rookie Mason Tipton was a big play waiting to happen as well. He is another to watch as a speedy field-stretcher in Shaheed’s stead.
The Saints season has been completely derailed by injuries. Their offense has been decimated. They are currently without their starting quarterback, two of their top wide receivers, their starting center and right guard and have handled injuries to their starting left guard as well. Meanwhile key contributors like running back Alvin Kamara and do-it-all weapon Taysom Hill have been battling numerous injuries themselves. And it’s only Week 7.
