New Orleans Saints

Sean Payton says Jairus Byrd is 'progressing well'

Published Aug. 5, 2015 4:50 p.m. ET

foxsports

We've all been anxiously awaiting the return of Jairus Byrd, but according to Mike Triplett of ESPN, Sean Payton says his return is just around the corner. As reported, Byrd has an "undisclosed ailment," as Payton simply doesn't give up much when it comes to information about injuries during the offseason.

“I think he’s progressing well,” Payton told ESPN of Byrd – though he declined to specify Byrd’s injury or whether it is related to the knee injury that landed Byrd on injured reserve last year. “I think sooner than later, we’re gonna get a chance to see him. But at the same time, we’re gonna be smart.”

Fortunately, Byrd did take part in OTAs this summer, so there's plenty of confidence in a pretty quick return time for him.

The defense for New Orleans should be complete when Byrd gets back in the action, and this is a unit that is poised to truly turn a corner when the upcoming season rolls around.

(h/t ESPN)