Saints To March In Without Veteran Defensive End Charles Grant

Recently NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has been tossing around the idea of extra draft picks for those teams who play their starters during an end of the season, sometimes meaningless game. 

Maybe the Saints could use such a thing to pick up a defensive end in order to make a run at Super Bowl XLV. That's right I said Super Bowl XLV not XLIV.

Why?

Because the veteran Defensive End Charles Grant is now injured. Responsible for 44 tackles and 5 1/2 sacks this season, the starting left end will be missed as the Saints continue their quest for the Lombardi Trophy.

When did this happen?

During last weeks 23-20 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

You heard correctly, the New Orleans Saints will be without starting defensive end Charles Grant for the playoffs. He was placed on injured reserve today. 

As his teammates take the rest of the week off before returning to two-a-days for the weekend, Mr. Grant gets to rest after having surgery yesterday to repair a tricep muscle injury.

Last season he missed the final eight games after surgery to repair the other tricep. An injury suffered during the Saints win over the San Diego Chargers at Wembley Stadium, in London, England.

Yet another home game played away from the Superdome.

I understand that injuries occur during the season, it goes with the territory. I understand the lasting effects of concussions and how they occur due to the brain shaking back and forth during legal hits.

What I don't get is how so many players are suffering from sports hernias or torn triceps. Isn't this part of strength and conditioning?

Maybe there is room for legal muscle building additives, prescribed by doctors to help these men as the sacrifice their bodies for our entertainment.

But if its entertainment you are looking for, be sure to stay tuned in as Coach Payton has promised to use his offensive and defensive starters on special teams as well during the playoff run.