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

The New Orleans Saints pass defense struggled in the early going this season, and it took another blow after cornerback Keenan Lewis underwent surgery for a sports hernia.

Continue for updates.

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Lewis Active for Week 8

Sunday, Nov. 1

The Saints did not list Lewis among the inactives for the team's game against the New York Giants.

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Latest on Lewis' Practice Status Ahead of Week 8

Friday, Oct. 30 

The Saints announced Lewis was limited in Friday's practice.  

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Payton Comments on Lewis' Injury

Thursday, Oct. 22

Head coach Sean Payton told reporters Lewis had sports hernia surgery as opposed to a hip injury, which is what he was originally diagnosed with.

"It's fairly common and yet the recovery and repair can vary," Payton said, via Evan Woodbery of NOLA.com.

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Lewis' Return Will Bolster Saints' Pass Defense

Lewis underwent surgery in the offseason to repair a ligament in his hip, and he did not make his debut until the team's Oct. 4 game against the Dallas Cowboys. Underhill noted the cornerback played only 18 snaps in the contest in nickel and dime packages, although he was on the field for 27 snaps in the next game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

But he played only eight snaps against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday and was bothered by the hip. Underhill pointed out that Lewis saw a specialist Monday “since his recovery has not gone as smooth as hoped.”

Per Pro-Football-Reference.com, Lewis has seven interceptions, 56 passes defended and three forced fumbles in his career. He started all 16 games in each of the last three seasons entering 2015, so his injury problems are unfamiliar territory based on recent history.

The Saints could use him in the secondary, because they are a dismal 26th in the league in passing yards allowed per game. Until he returns, Brandon Browner and Delvin Breaux will likely continue to carry the load at the cornerback position.