New Orleans Saint Lance Moore Impresses In His Return To The Football Field After Injury Hiatus

Lance Moore has taken a long road en route to becoming an NFL starter that it almost seemed unfair when he suffered a dislocated shoulder and torn labrum while lifting weights early in the off- season.

This all after coming off his most impressive season to date where he led the team in receptions (79), yards (928), and total touchdowns (10).

The injury would require surgery thus effectively thwarting his off-season development and depriving him of his snaps with the first team offense.

Did any of this keep Moore down — absolutely not. The young receiver bided his time while he recovered and red shirted for most of the pre-season camp, which according to Moore was far too long.

Although by all indications Moore looked no worse for wear in his anticipated return to play when he suited up to take on the Oakland Raiders in the Saints third pre-season game of the year.

Lance was targeted seven times in the game, the most of any Saint receiver, ending his day catching four of those seven passes for 29 yards, including a 5-yard scoring pass from Brees.

It’s a possibility that Moore may have increased his stat line even further on near back to back plays in the second quarter.

On a first and ten, with Brunell under center, Moore streaked down the right side line in an effort to haul in a deep pass but was interfered with by CB Stanford Routt, which caused the incompletion.

Routt was called for pass interference.

Then one play later Brunell found Moore in the right flat but again Routt was called for pass interference, negating the reception once more.

After the Saints 45-7 win over Oakland Moore spoke on his return to the field and the condition of his shoulder.

"“I’m sure I’m going to be game sore tomorrow but my shoulder felt good, ” Moore said. “It was just good being out there with the guys — Marques (Colston), Devery (Henderson), (Robert) Meachem and everybody else out there.”"

Either way Moore looks to be playing at the high level he was before his injury and although he won’t see any more significant playing time this pre-season he will be ready to go for week one when the Saints play host to Detroit.

Don’t just take my word for it, here is what Brees had to say about Moore’s return and readiness to play.

"“I know how much he was champing at the bit to get out there today. He’s felt like he could have been out there a month ago. But obviously, it was doctors’ orders being smart with his shoulder and all. Most guys go out their first game back a little rusty, but he didn’t seem to have much rust.”"

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