Saints Roster: 6 injured players who could make an impact in 2022

3. C.J. Gardner-Johnson

One of the biggest blows to the Saints entire team this year has been C.J. Gardner-Johnson‘s injury, which took place in the Week 9 loss to Atlanta. Oddly enough, NOLA hasn’t won a game since Gardner-Johnson’s injury.

Through seven games this season, the former fourth-round pick tallied 26 tackles, four defended passes, two QB hits, and one interception, really making the most of his opportunities on the field. The defense has certainly missed his production.

Next year is the final year of CJGJ’s rookie deal and if NOLA was smart, they’d try to extend the guy this offseason and keep him in New Orleans past 2022 because he’s one of the best players on defense.

2. Wil Lutz

One of the biggest issues for New Orleans this season has been at the kicker position and this is because Wil Lutz hasn’t suited up for a single game. Lutz was injured ahead of the preseason and although he was on track to return midway through the season, he suffered a setback and announced he’d be missing the year.

In the meantime, the Saints have tried out a plethora of kickers with mixed results. Brett Maher, Aldrick Rosa, Cody Parkey, and Brian Johnson have tried to handle the kicking duties in the Big Easy but none have impressed.

Lutz’s return in 2022 is one of the most anticipated because not having a solid kicker has cost the Saints multiple wins. His absence has been very notable.