Some big help is on the way for the New Orleans Saints defense: C.J. Gardner-Johnson was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday, having missed four games with a foot issue. Getting their starting slot defender back in the mix would help New Orleans clean up coverage on the back end as well as the lapses in tackling. He’s a firebrand who helps get everyone around him up to speed.
This move opens a three-week window in which Gardner-Johnson may return to practice, but hopefully he’ll be able to suit up in a game sooner than that. The Saints need all the help they can get to cut their losing skid at five games, and this week’s road matchup with the New York Jets has all the hallmarks of a trap game. New Orleans needs to play mistake-free football, and Gardner-Johnson could help with that.
But this is far from a sure thing. The Saints have been in this spot before, having designated Pro Bowl kicker Wil Lutz to return from a groin injury only to see his condition worsen and require a season-ending second stint on the reserve list. Superstar wide receiver Michael Thomas suffered a similar setback with his ankle injury, beginning and ultimately ending his year on the physically unable to perform list. Hopefully things are going better for Gardner-Johnson.
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