WR Tre’Quan Smith designated to return from Saints injured reserve

New Orleans Saints WR Tre’Quan Smith was designated to return from injured reserve, but must practice before playing against the Buccaneers.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith returned to practice on Wednesday after the team, though he hasn’t yet been activated from the injured reserve list. He’ll have to practice for a few days before getting the green light to join his teammates in their Divisional Round kickoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Smith set career highs in receptions (34) and receiving yards (448) in 14 games during the regular season, converting a first down on 22 catches and connecting on 4 touchdown passes. He’s also become an asset in the run game as one of New Orleans’ most physical blockers on the outside of the formation.

If activated for Sunday’s playoff game, Smith would presumably bump rookie Juwan Johnson out of the rotation — he was inactive in their Wild-Card Round matchup with the Chicago Bears. Other receivers on the active roster include Michael Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Deonte Harris, and Marquez Callaway, another undrafted rookie.

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