It took 11 years in the NFL, and a grand total of 172 games, but Cam Jordan's No. 94 won't be seen on the field in Week 14.
The Saints DE announced Saturday afternoon that he wasn't joining the team at the airport, indicating he'd miss the game as he remains on the COVID list.
"All that matters is we win tomorrow ... Let's go!!!," Jordan said, and pointing to DE Marcus Davenport and DT David Onyemata.
The names mentioned are worth considering. Davenport has easily been the Saints' most impactful pass-rusher. Despite only playing in 6 of the Saints' 12 games he leads the team with 5.5 sacks. David Onyemata missed the first six games due to suspension, and could be an option to shift outside in Jordan's absence. The Saints also have Jalyn Holmes and Carl Granderson to work in on the rush.
Regardless of how the Saints respond to Jordan's absence, it'll mark a bookend of a streak that's far more impressive that it gets credit for. In a season with so many games missed due to injuries for Saints starters, it'd been more than a decade and Jordan's never been on that list. Heck, he's hardly even been listed on the injury report at all. Jordan is the active leader in consecutive starts. He's No. 2 in games played, with Packers kicker Mason Crosby leading that list.
Related
But COVID doesn't factor in durability, and Jordan's status for the week turned on its head after a negative test Monday. The DE had lamented the fact that he was asymptomatic and felt fine to play. That's only half the equation, though, with a requirement that he test negative at least twice before returning to the team. It's unclear if Jordan logged any negative tests this week. It remains theoretically possible for Jordan to test negative and rejoin the team on Sunday, but it sounds like a pipe dream based on the DE's messaging.
The Saints' outbreak also spread to Mark Ingram and Ty Montgomery, both of whom will be inactive after positive tests later in the week. It's the second time this season the Saints have had to play without key figures due to COVID, with several assistant coaches absent for the Week 2 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Related
One silver lining is the "NFL's top ironman" title still remains in New Orleans with linebacker Demario Davis. No. 56 will be playing in his 157th consecutive game. For consecutive starts? That'd be Malcolm Jenkins, who has started in 131 consecutive NFL games.
The Saints are hoping they can overcome the seemingly constant absences to snap a five-game losing streak against the 3-9 Jets and remain in the thick of the playoff hunt. A loss would leave them well on the outside and highly unlikely to have a chance at the postseason.
LISTEN NOW on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram