The New Orleans Saints will finally have a bye week in Week 12. While not playing a game this weekend could slow down the team’s momentum after winning two straight, this will be a much-needed break. Injuries have been a major storyline for the Saints this season, so a bye week can be pretty helpful.
New Orleans has already welcomed several players back into the lineup in recent weeks, but the off week will still be beneficial to those guys. Additionally, it’ll give a few other players the chance to return to the field when the team plays again in Week 13.
Lucas Patrick could return for Saints in Week 13
Offensive lineman Lucas Patrick, who has played in eight games for New Orleans this year, starting seven, has the chance to return after the bye week. The veteran lineman injured his ankle in Week 9, and has missed the team’s last two games. He hasn’t even practiced since injuring the ankle, so he really needed the bye week. The extra time off could allow for him to return in Week 13.
Jamaal Williams could return for Saints after the bye week
Jamaal Williams hasn’t been on the field for New Orleans since Week 8, as he’s been dealing with a groin injury. He also hasn’t even been on the practice field, but the team didn’t place him on injured reserve, so he could be back on the field when the Saints are back from their bye.
While it’d be great for Williams to get healthy, he hasn’t contributed much for New Orleans this season, carrying the ball just 32 times for 124 yards and one touchdown. However, everyone has seemingly improved and gotten bigger roles since Darren Rizzi has taken over, so Williams could have a resurgence when he returns.
Erik McCoy could return for Saints after their Week 12 bye
Erik McCoy technically played in New Orleans’ last game. In fact, the Week 11 game against the Cleveland Browns was the veteran center’s first game since suffering a groin injury in Week 3. Unfortunately, McCoy re-aggravated the groin injury and was pulled from the Week 11 game.
After several tests, the team determined McCoy would be ok and that he could be back in the lineup when the Saints return from their bye week.