The New Orleans Saints offense is getting a key piece back ahead of their preseason finale.
Tight end Juwan Johnson will be activated from the physically unable to perform list, where he's been since undergoing foot surgery earlier this offseason. Johnson was in attendance throughout the entirety of the Saints' training camp slate out in Irvine, working off to the side with trainers.
Johnson will add some teeth to a tight end room that has lacked playmaking this offseason. Veteran Foster Moreau has been the top option, with young players working to carve out a role behind him. One of the more interesting names has been UDFA Dallin Holker, but the former Colorado State standout is currently dealing with an ankle sprain suffered prior to the game against the 49ers last weekend.
The converted wide receiver dealt with injuries throughout the 2023 season and didn't have the production many expected until coming on strong late in the year. Johnson finished the year with 37 catches for 398 yards and 4 touchdowns, with each of those numbers dropping from the 2022 campaign. There were signs, though, that the connection between Johnson and QB Derek Carr was growing, with three of his touchdowns coming in the final month of the season, including a career-best 8 catches for 90 yards in a Week 17 win over the Bucs.
Related
The Saints are back in action Tuesday evening with an open practice at Tulane's Yulman stadium. They'll also have a pair of practices at the team facility in Metairie before inviting fans again to an open session on Friday at the Caesars Superdome. The Saints close out their postseason slate with a home matchup against the Titans on Sunday.