Keenan Lewis Injury: Updates on Saints CB's Hip and Return

New Orleans Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis underwent hip surgery on Sept. 1, which required a recovery time of four to six weeks.

Lewis has not played all season, but the team announced he's active in Week 4.

Dr. David Chao of National Football Post reported Lewis' surgery was believed to be for a sports hernia, and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network added the surgery was "similar to" hernia surgery. Kevin Patra of NFL.com provided further details from Rapoport, who received word it's "an injury to the hip flexor." 

Delvin Breaux replaced Lewis in the lineup, but Lewis' injury was the latest in a string of injuries that left the Saints defensive backfield in turmoil with the regular season right around the corner. Free safety Jairus Byrd missed time to start the season with a knee injury, while cornerback Brandon Browner missed camp time due to ailments as well.

"It's a big loss for the Saints after sending third-round CB P.J. Williams to I.R. with a torn hamstring earlier this week," stated Rotoworld's staff.

Lewis has registered 93 combined tackles and six interceptions over his first two seasons in New Orleans after starting his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Rich Hribar of Rotoworld used a fantasy perspective to show how much the team's pass defense struggled as Lewis battled a nagging knee issue last season:

"

In the seven games after Keenan Lewis was injured last season, the Saints allowed a top-18 scoring WR in every game except one.

— Rich Hribar (@LordReebs) September 2, 2015"

The Saints defense clearly needs Lewis healthy to contend in the NFC South, especially considering they've allowed an average of 28 points per game through the first three weeks of the season.