New Orleans Saints Preseason: Latest Buzz on Player Injuries

Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

After two weeks and two preseason games under their belt, the New Orleans Saints have a few players that are injured and need some time to rest and heal.

Good thing they're still in the preseason. Good thing there aren't any serious injuries to their key players. But if the Saints want to be serious contenders this season, all must be available and ready to go.

The injured players have a little under a month left to recover. But September 9th will come fast.

With a couple of games left to play in the preseason, the Saints hope that the injury bug doesn't hit any more players.

Let's take a look at the following injured players and their statuses.

Darren Sproles, RB

Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Darren Sproles is suffering from minor knee soreness. Nothing serious.

His status is probable, but it might be better to rest Sproles this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It's never good to rush anything.

Sproles played a key role in his first year with the Saints' potent offense last season. He picked up 603 yards on the ground, averaging 6.9 yards per carry with two touchdowns. Not too bad, but through the air is where Sproles did most of his damage: 86 receptions for 710 yards and seven touchdowns. A total of 1,313 yards and nine touchdowns.

As you can see, Sproles was a key contributor to some of the Saints' record-breaking offense.

Nick Toon, WR

Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

The former Wisconsin Badger has a foot injury and is questionable for this week's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He should be returning by earl next week.

Nick Toon was drafted in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft.

The 6'3" wideout has a lot of potential and can do some damage in the Saints offense with Brees throwing him the ball. Toon is fast and can win jump balls with his vertical skills.

During the team's minicamp and team activities, he impressed the coaches with his route running and good hands.

Adrian Arrington, WR

Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

Adrian Arrington was supposed to be the No. 4 receiver for Brees and the Saints offense, but his knee injury has sidelined him since the beginning of preseason. Arrington hasn't played in the first two preseason games and will miss a significant amount of time with the surgery he had for his meniscus problem.

Arrington started off strong in the first few weeks of training camp, and it looked like he was a lock for the No. 4 spot, until the injury.

Jimmy Graham, TE

Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Jimmy Graham experienced a breakout season in his sophomore year.

The 6'7" tight end had 99 receptions for 1,310 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Graham was a huge part of New Orleans offensive success.

There was some concern when Graham sat out the game against the New England Patriots with a back problem. He hurt his back making a catch in practice last week, but he returned to the field today. He just wasn't participating in team drills.

Graham's status is probable against the Jaguars, so we'll probably see him play a few snaps this Friday against Jacksonville.

Rest easy, fantasy football owners and Who Dat nation, Graham is back.

Mark Ingram, RB

Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE

Running back Mark Ingram, a former Heisman Trophy winner, had arthroscopic knee surgery back in May. He made it back in time to play in the Saints' first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, and he looked strong.

Ingram ran for 14 yards and a touchdown, being used primarily in the red zone.

Mark Ingram missed out on the Saints' second preseason game against the New England Patriots, but that was just as a precaution. Ingram has been participating in drills for the majority of training camp. The Saints' staff is just being careful and making sure the running back is ready to go for the start of the season.

Ingram's status is probable for this Friday's preseason game against the Jaguars.

 

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