The New Orleans Saints are facing another tough blow as wide receiver and kick returner Rashid Shaheed is out for the rest of the season following knee surgery. As injuries pile up for the Saints, the loss of Shaheed-one of their most explosive playmakers-creates a significant challenge moving forward. The Saints, now struggling to find consistency in the NFC South, will have to navigate the remainder of the season without their key contributor in both the offense and special teams.
Shaheed’s season-ending knee surgery took place on Thursday in Los Angeles, where doctors assessed the extent of his meniscus injury. Initially thought to be a minor issue, doctors ultimately repaired the meniscus, setting Shaheed’s recovery timeline between four to six months. This injury not only sidelines one of the Saints’ top wide receivers but also removes the NFL’s leading punt returner from the field, as Shaheed led the league with 15.9 yards per return and even scored a punt return touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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Shaheed has been a vital part of the Saints’ offense, leading the team with 349 receiving yards on 20 catches and three touchdowns. With Chris Olave also sidelined due to a concussion, the Saints now face a difficult Thursday night matchup against the Denver Broncos and former New Orleans coach Sean Payton without their top two wideouts.
Adding to the Saints’ growing injury list, Shaheed is the third major player to be placed on injured reserve recently. Starting center Erik McCoy is out following groin surgery, and safety Will Harris is also on IR due to a hamstring injury. These losses have left the Saints scrambling to adjust, especially as they try to stay competitive in a tough division.
Saints’ injury woes deepen as key players sidelined, including Rashid Shaheed
The Saints’ injury woes don’t stop there. Starting quarterback Derek Carr missed time earlier this season with an oblique injury, and other key players like linebacker Demario Davis and tight end Taysom Hill have also dealt with injuries. Head coach Dennis Allen now faces the daunting task of keeping the team afloat with a depleted roster.
Rashid Shaheed, who signed a one-year, $5.2 million extension in July, had emerged as one of the most exciting players on the Saints roster. His ability to make plays on offense and special teams will be sorely missed as the team moves forward. Though Shaheed’s contract keeps him with New Orleans through the 2025 season, the focus now shifts to his recovery.
As the Saints push forward without Shaheed, they will need contributions from their depth players to compensate for the absence of one of their most dynamic talents. The Saints’ path to remaining competitive in the NFC South just got steeper, but they will look to rally around their next-man-up mentality as they prepare for the Broncos.
