Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders hints at a return ahead of Week 4

It’s been a tough week in the trenches for the New Orleans Saints, losing starting center Erik McCoy for an estimated six to eight weeks with a groin injury. While the team is focused on replacing McCoy, they have seemingly received some good injury news for the defensive line.

Saints’ defensive tackle Khalen Saunders’ recent social media activity is hinting towards a return. The veteran defender posted three pictures of himself in full uniform, and captioned the images, “Back from the dead.. Rise up. #WhoDat.”

Khalen Saunders seemingly ready to return from injury

Saunders hasn’t made his season debut yet, after suffering a calf injury at the end of training camp. The initial timeline for a return was two to three weeks, so this is around the time New Orleans expected him back. He hasn’t officially participated in any practices yet, but media members did see him working out on the field during Thursday’s practice before the Week 3 game.

He likely was going through a workout as the final stage of his recovery, to prove he’s ready to hit the field. Now, as the Saints prepare for the Atlanta Falcons, fans will be watching to see if Saunders participates in practice this week.

It’d be great if Khalen Saunders played interior offensive line and could help replace McCoy, but his presence on the interior defensive line is welcomed as well. Saunders did lose his starting spot to Bryan Bresee in training camp, but he’s still an important player for the defensive line.

Coming off a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, where the Saints couldn’t stop the run, they could definitely benefit from Saunders being a disruptive force up front. With Bijan Robinson and the Falcons next on the schedule, the run defense will be back in the spotlight. Saunders could make an immediate splash in his return.

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