Willie Snead Injury: Updates on Saints WR's Calf and Return

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Willie Snead is nursing a calf injury. He did not play in Week 13; however, he's ready to return to the field.

Continue for updates.

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Snead Active for Week 14

Sunday, Dec. 13

The team announced Snead was available to play vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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Latest on Snead's Practice Status

Friday, Dec. 11

The team announced Snead was limited at practice.

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Injury Disrupts Snead's Development

The undrafted second-year man out of Ball State has been enjoying a surprisingly successful season, hauling in 45 receptions for 676 yards. Besides Brandin Cooks and tight end Ben Watson, Snead has become one of Drew Brees' top targets.

It was his route-running ability and sure hands that saw him get an increase in playing time, as JJ Zachariason of Number Fire points out:

His ability to work in the slot has also made him a target on third down, as he told NOLA.com's Christopher Dabe:

"Third down is when you really need a play, and I feel like coach (Sean) Payton and the other guys, they're starting to notice that I can make those plays. Those are the plays I look for the most. I want to make those plays."

Veteran wide receiver Marques Colston has been a staple of the Saints wide receiving group for a decade now, but Snead's healthy presence gives Brees another set of hands to look for.

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.