2 min read • January 05, 2021
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Quarterbacks - Drew Brees missed four weeks this year with broken ribs on both sides as well as a lung injury, but he has pushed through and played the past several weeks. He hasn’t quite been himself but should continue to improve as he heals up heading into the postseason.
Running Backs - The Saints’ running back room was struck by COVID, as Alvin Kamara tested positive. Latavius Murray and Dwayne Washington were labelled as high-risk close contacts and all 3 missed Week 17. Kamara is in danger of missing the first round of the playoffs, but Murray and Washington should be activated this coming week.
Wide Receivers - Michael Thomas returned in a big way for the Wild Card round, pulling in 5 receptions for 73 yards and a score. Thomas had a disappointing regular season with the ankle and hamstring issues but expect a fully healthy Thomas to perform moving forward.
Emmanuel Sanders missed weeks 7 and 8 on the Reserve/COVID list, but has remained an important weapon for the Saints on his return. His abilities as a home run threat make him a key piece of this offense, and they’ll be hoping to scheme up ways to get him free as Michael Thomas returns.
Tre’Quan Smith was placed on injured reserve after a week out of practice following Week 15. He missed Week 16, and will miss another two at least per the IR rules, meaning he could return in a deep playoff run. The severity of his ankle injury is not known, but given the recent nature of his injury it is a real possibility that his 2020 campaign is over.
Offensive Lineman - The Saint’s left tackle Terron Armstead missed Weeks 12 and 13 on the Reserve/COVID list. Besides this, he has been steady on their line all year, and has not missed any more games.
New Orleans’ premiere left guard Andrus Peat has been a bit banged up this year, missing time with both ankle and concussion issues. The ankle popped up in Week 4 and appears to be in the rearview, but the concussion happened just 4 weeks ago, and is worth keeping tabs on. Despite clearing protocol, the presence of one concussion in a season can raise concerns of reinjury down the stretch.
Nick Easton is a key cog on the offensive line as the team’s center, and he missed two weeks at midseason with a concussion. He missed Weeks 15 and 16 with another concussion, and has since been placed on IR, likely ending his 2020 season.
Defensive Lineman - Sheldon Rankins missed Weeks 9-12 with an MCL sprain, and while he has remained a big part of their defensive line rotation he has yet to notch a sack upon his return. The knee injury was never too severe and he has taken a large percentage of snaps, so it would be unfair to say he is still limited by the injury, though production has dropped.
Trey Hendrickson was an impact defender this year with 13.5 sacks, but sat out the Wild Card game with a neck injury. The severity of the injury is unknown, and we will monitor his practice status moving forward.
Cornerbacks - The Saints’ cornerbacks have taken their lumps this year, as Janoris Jenkins (shoulder), Marshon Lattimore (hamstring/abdomen) and Patrick Robinson (hamstring) have all missed time. Jenkins and Lattimore appear to have put their issues behind them, but Robinson remains on IR, where he has been since Week 14. He will be eligible to return in the playoffs, but the severity of the hamstring will determine his availability.
Safeties - The Saints’ safeties took some hits in Week 17, as CJ Gardner-Johnson and DJ Swearinger sat out on Reserve/COVID, and Marcus Williams dealt with an ankle injury. Gardner-Johnson and Swearinger may return, but Williams’ ankle is worth monitoring.
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