For the second time this season the Saints came back to earth with a thud after a quality win. This time, though, some reinforcements could be in sight.
The first four weeks of the season have featured the Saints trying to make ends meet on both sides of the ball despite several absences. As of Week 5, a host of players is eligible to come off of injured reserve. The question is ... will they?
Due to COVID rule changes, NFL teams can send an unlimited number of plays to the IR list throughout the season. They can be designated to return after three weeks -- allowing players to get healthy without tying up a roster spot.
The Saints have taken advantage of that as much as any team, sending a handful of players to IR before and after Week 1. All of those players are now eligible to come back once they're healthy. The lone player designated for return before Week 4 was guard/center Will Clapp.
Scroll below for a list of players on IR, as well as when players suspended or on the PUP can be expected to return. One thing to keep in mind is that even if a player is eligible to return, that doesn't mean he will. Players on IR will be eligible to return, but they can remain on the list until they're healthy enough to do so.
NOTE: LT Terron Armstead and C Erik McCoy both missed Week 4 with injuries, but were not sent to IR.
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INJURED RESERVE
NICK VANNETT, TE
- Went on IR: Before Week 1
- Eligible to return: As of Week 4
- Injury: knee
NOTES: Vannett was expected to have a role as a blocking tight end before his injury. His absence could be a factor in Adam Trautman's limited role in the passing game through four weeks.
KEN CRAWLEY, CB
- Went on IR: Before Week 1
- Eligible to return: As of Week 4
- Injury: hamstring
NOTES: Since Crawley landed on IR the cornerback position has developed into one of the deepest on the team. Crawley will likely still play a role when he gets back, but the Saints will have to decide how to split up snaps on the outside between him, rookie Paulson Adebo and recently acquired Bradley Roby.
TRE'QUAN SMITH, WR
- Went on IR: Before Week 1
- Eligible to return: As of Week 4
- Injury: hamstring
NOTES: Smith battled an injury throughout training camp. He returned to practice but never got on the field in the preseason. Still, he represents a potential weapon to help invigorate the Saints' passing attack.
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WIL LUTZ, K
- Went on IR: Before Week 1
- Eligible to return: As of Week 4
- Injury: Core muscle surgery
NOTES: Lutz's injury is another one that dates well into training camp and his return will be dependent on how quickly he can recover from surgery to repair the injury.
MARCUS DAVENPORT, DE
- Went on IR: After Week 1
- Eligible to return: As of Week 5
- Injury: Shoulder
NOTES: Davenport, Alexander and Hansen all went onto IR after Week 1, meaning they weren't eligible to return in Week 4.
KWON ALEXANDER, LB
- Went on IR: After Week 1
- Eligible to return: As of Week 5
- Injury: Elbow
CHASE HANSEN, LB
- Went on IR: After Week 1
- Eligible to return: As of Week 5
- Injury: Groin
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PUP LIST
MICHAEL THOMAS, WR
- Went on PUP list: Before Week 1
- Eligible to return: As of Week 7
- Injury: Ankle surgery
NOTES: The ankle injury that feels like it's lasted forever could finally turn into a triumphant return in the Saints' 6th game of the season, despite PUP rules requiring a player to be out at least six weeks. The Saints' bye in Week 6 counts toward that total, potentially shaving a game off the required absence should Thomas be healthy enough to return. The Saints face the Seahawks in Week 7. The WR initially suffered the injury late in a Week 1 victory over the Bucs in the 2020 season.
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SUSPENSION
DAVID ONYEMATA, DT
- Length of suspension: 6 games
- Eligible to return: As of Week 8
NOTE: Unlike Thomas' situation, the bye week does NOT count toward Onyemata's six-game suspension. That means he won't be eligible to return until Week 8 when the Saints host the Tampa Bay Bucs. But the Saints can be sure he'll be back in action then, since his health won't be a factor in when he can play.
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