Saints’ undrafted star Marquez Callaway will get another huge opportunity
The New Orleans Saints will be short their top two receivers against Chicago, opening the door for more targets for undrafted star Marquez Callaway.
Update: Marquez Calloway has been ruled out.
Players out Sunday include Michael Thomas, Marquez Callaway, Aaron Jones, Joe Mixon, Julian Edelman, N’Keal Harry, Stephon Gilmore, Jamison Crowder, Breshad Perriman, Sammy Watkins, Mitchell Schwartz, Deebo Samuel, Jeff Wilson, Andy Dalton, Miles Sanders and Alshon Jeffery.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 1, 2020
When the New Orleans Saints went to trim their roster before the season, there weren’t too many fans expecting Marquez Callaway to be one of the names given a chance on this high-profile receiving corps that features the league’s best in Michael Thomas.
Along with crucial offseason addition Emmanuel Sanders, the Saints have one of the best receiving corps in the league, but sadly, Thomas has been out since Week 1 for a plethora of reasons, the main one being a high-ankle sprain.
Both Thomas and All-Pro returner Deonte Harris have msised time.
Harris missed just one game, but it was enough to give undrafted free agent rookie Callaway a chance to field both punt and kick returns. He ended the Week 5 matchup with two kick returns for 27 yards and six punt returns for 69 yards.
He was impressive and even got in a few offensive snaps. While Harris has returned and Callaway has yet to field another kick or punt, he’s not being used as a receiver in head coach Sean Payton’s offense.
He’ll have another prime opporunity to show his value against the Chicago Bears as the Saints take a trip to the Windy City. Starting from Week 3, Callaway has played 3 percent, 21 percent, 68 percent and 73 percent of the team’s offensive snaps.
Starting one game, Callaway has put up over 100 yards and 12 receptions on 16 targets. He’s become a force for Brees alongside Sanders and 2017 third-round draft pick Tre’Quan Smith. He’ll arguably be the No. 1 option for Brees against Chicago.
This is a big-time chance for Callaway to show that he belongs not only on this roster but as the team’s third receiving option. Smith hasn’t shown he’s that good over the last few years, and Callaway has been balling with the targets he’s given.
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This wiill be another strong opportunity for him, and hopefully, he makes the most of it.