The New Orleans Saints will be without yet another player for multiple games due to suspension, with safety Marcus Maye now required to be away from the team for the next three games.
The suspension was officially announced Wednesday afternoon, with the cause listed as a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy. The suspension is most likely spurred by a DUI incident involving Maye in 2021 when he was still a member of the New York Jets.
The legal saga extended into the offseason from that incident, but he accepted a plea deal this past offseason and was sentenced to 6 months probation and other penalties. The NFL typically waits to levy discipline until the legal process has played out.
Maye's absence will be a blow to a defense that has been stellar through the first two games, both wins. The Saints have now held 10 straight opponents to 20 points or fewer, and went 7 quarters without allowing a touchdown to open the season. Maye has started next to Tyrann Mathieu at safety for both wins to open the season, contributing 13 tackles and an interception.
There are now three Saints players currently suspended. Along with Maye, who will be eligible to return in Week 6, the Saints have also been without RB Alvin Kamara and QB Jake Haener. Kamara is suspended three games for an incident in Las Vegas ahead of the 2021 Pro Bowl, and he will be eligible to return in Week 4. Haener is serving a 6-game suspension for a violation of the NFL's performance enhancing drug policy, and won't be eligible to return until Week 7.
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The Saints have multiple potential options to fill that role, including rookie Jordan Howden, who has been in the safety rotation and played well through two weeks. They could also opt for a veteran such as J.T. Gray, Ugo Amadi or Lonnie Johnson on the active roster. Another player who could be an option is veteran Johnathan Abram, who is currently on the practice squad.
The Saints face off with the Green Bay Packers on the road in Week 3.