Saints' defense encouraged by strides made since opener
Saints coach Dennis Allen sounds more optimistic about the defense he oversees as his team prepares to visit the Carolina Panthers this SundaySEPTEMBER 22, 2022 • Associated Press
TRE'QUAN SMITH
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Remains limited Wednesday Smith (shoulder) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.
Impact Prior to missing a second consecutive game to start the campaign, Smith also was limited in all three sessions, so he may have to log a full practice Thursday or Friday to be cleared for game action as he continues his recovery from a preseason shoulder injury.
SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Saints scratch dynamic RB Kamara vs. Bucs with rib injury
The Saints have scratched top running back Alvin Kamara from the lineup against Tampa Bay because of a rib injury that has bothered him since New Orleans’ Week 1 victory at AtlantaSEPTEMBER 18, 2022 • Associated Press
Another absence Sunday Smith (shoulder) is inactive for Sunday's game versus the Buccaneers, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.
Impact Smith has been tending to a shoulder injury since the Saints' preseason finale, missing both of the team's first two games of the campaign in the process. However, he practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday through Friday, so he may be closing in on his first action of the season. In the meantime, Marquez Callaway and Deonte Harty will be New Orleans' main depth options behind the top wide-receiver trio of Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry and Chris Olave.
SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Iffy for Week 2 Smith (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday's matchup with Tampa Bay, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.
Impact The wideout picked up the injury during the preseason finale and sat out the regular-season opener. Smith returned to practice Wednesday and was limited throughout the week, giving him a chance to make his season debut Sunday. However, even if he's available, it's unlikely he sees many targets behind Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry and Chris Olave.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Still limited by shoulder Smith (shoulder) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.
Impact Smith picked up a shoulder injury in the Saints' preseason finale and sat out the team's regular-season opener. His return to practice is an encouraging sign, but if he isn't upgraded to a full participant Thursday or Friday, he may be sidelined for a second straight game.
SEPTEMBER 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Saints receiver Thomas, left tackle Hurst back at practice
The New Orleans Saints' top receiver and projected starting blind-side blocker are practicing again after being sidelined since mid-AugustSEPTEMBER 7, 2022 • Associated Press
Winston sharp, Saints top Chargers 27-10 in preseason finale
New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston looked ready for the regular season in his first game since his major left knee injury last HalloweenAUGUST 27, 2022 • Associated Press
Saints preseason opener features 1st-rounders Olave, Penning
New Orleans Saints first-round draft choices Chris Olave and Trevor Penning are looking to parlay standout performances in their first NFL training camp into promising preseason de...AUGUST 11, 2022 • Associated Press
NFL suspends Saints receiver Kawaan Baker for 6 games
Saints second-year receiver Kawaan Baker is facing a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policyAUGUST 2, 2022 • Associated Press
Can the Saints find a new star receiver in the NFL Draft?
After a tough season, the Saints are likely to target a much-needed wide receiver in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.APRIL 17, 2022 • FOX SPORTS
Back with Saints Smith has signed a two-year deal with the Saints, Field Yates of ESPN reports.
Impact Per Yates, Smith's deal to remain with the Saints carries a base value of $6 million, with the chance to earn the wideout another $4.5 million through incentives and escalators. The 26-year-old is coming off a 2021 campaign in which he caught 32 of his 50 targets for 377 yards and three TDs in 11 games. This coming season, the 2018 third-rounder is in line to compete for targets behind Michael Thomas (ankle) with the likes of Marquez Callaway (thumb) and Deonte Harris in the team's Jameis Winston-led offense. Moreover, there's a chance that New Orleans could add further wide receiver depth via free agency or the draft.
MARCH 28, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Saints face crucial decisions with Armstead, Williams, other free agents
The Saints once again enter the offseason in the salary-cap pits. How should New Orleans approach free agency?FEBRUARY 20, 2022 • FOX SPORTS
Closes season with big game Smith recorded five receptions on seven targets for 76 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 30-20 win over the Falcons.
Impact Smith returned from a one-game absence to lead the Saints' receiving corps in receptions and yards. His longest gain of the day went for 34 yards on a slant over the middle of the field, which he then turned up the field for a big play. Later in the contest, Smith hauled in an acrobatic grab in the end zone from 13 yards away to tally his third touchdown of the campaign. Smith battled injuries throughout the season, which limited him to 11 games during which he produced 32 receptions, 377 yards and three touchdowns.
JANUARY 10, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Cleared for Sunday Smith (chest) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against Atlanta, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports.
Impact Smith missed last week's win over the Panthers but apparently isn't in danger of back-to-back absences. He was a limited practice participant Wednesday through Friday and now figures to take back his role as a starting wideout across from Marquez Callaway, with both catching passes from dual-threat QB Taysom Hill.
JANUARY 7, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Limited again Thursday Smith (chest) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.
Impact One week removed from not practicing at all before being ruled out for this past Sunday's game against the Panthers, Smith has managed back-to-back capped sessions while contending with a chest injury. Friday's practice report may provide some insight into whether he's trending toward a return Sunday in Atlanta. If he is able to play, Smith would be in line for the 4.8 targets per game he averaged during nine healthy performances between Weeks 7 and 15.
JANUARY 6, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Returns to practice Wednesday Smith (chest) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice.
Impact After picking up a chest injury Week 16 against the Dolphins, Smith didn't log any practice reps last Wednesday through Friday and was ruled out for this past Sunday's contest against the Panthers. His return to on-field work during the first session of Week 18 prep is a sign that he's trending in the right direction, but his activity level over the next two days will be key to determine whether game action his possible Sunday in Atlanta.
JANUARY 5, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Not available Week 17 Smith (chest) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Panthers, Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports.
Impact Smith will miss his first game since being sidelined for the first six weeks of the season after injuring his hamstring in training camp. He picked up the chest injury in the first half of Monday's loss to the Dolphins and wasn't able to practice in any capacity Wednesday through Friday, so the Saints' decision to rule him out for Week 17 comes as little surprise. On a positive note for the Saints' passing attack, Deonte Harris was restored from the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, and he appears on track to step back into a prominent role at receiver in his return from a three-game suspension.
DECEMBER 31, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Officially doesn't practice Thursday Smith (chest) didn't practice Thursday.
Impact After he was estimated as a non-participant on Wednesday's injury report, Smith upheld that listing on the practice field one day later. A chest injury is to blame and may be threatening his first absence since Week 5. Friday's injury report could provide some insight into whether or not Smith is poised for his sixth DNP of the campaign.
DECEMBER 30, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
No practice reps Wednesday Smith (chest) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report.
Impact One week removed from dealing with a shoulder injury, Smith is tending to a chest issue that knocked him from Monday's loss to the Dolphins. While logging 14 snaps on offense before his departure, he wasn't targeted in a game for the first time all season. Working on a short week, the Saints may not hold much more than a walk-through session or two before Sunday's contest against the Panthers, after which Smith's availability for Week 17 could receive some clarity.
DECEMBER 29, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Saints focused on playoff push after outbreak set them back
Saints coach Sean Payton sounds ready to accept and move on from a potentially costly late-season defeatDECEMBER 28, 2021 • Associated Press
Saints' Payton: Book's NFL debut was 'hard to evaluate'
Saints coach Sean Payton says quarterback Ian Book’s NFL debut was “hard to evaluate.”DECEMBER 28, 2021 • Associated Press
Waddle shines, Dolphins beat Saints 20-3 to win 7th straight
Rookie sensation Jaylen Waddle returned from the COVID-19 list to catch 10 passes for 92 yards and touchdown, and the Miami Dolphins beat the short-handed New Orleans Saints 20-3DECEMBER 28, 2021 • Associated Press
Suffers chest injury Smith is questionable to return to Monday's game against the Dolphins with a chest injury, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.
Impact Smith exited the first half early to go to the locker room and was not seen on the sideline to begin the second half. He has yet to earn a target from Ian Book, and if he is unable to return it would mark the first time this season he failed to record a catch in any of his 10 games. Marquez Callaway has stepped up as Book's primary option with Smith sidelined.
DECEMBER 28, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Saints scratch OT Armstead, Miami deactivates CB Williams
The Saints have scratched left tackle Terron Armstead from Monday night’s game against the Miami DolphinsDECEMBER 28, 2021 • Associated Press
