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I’ve heard the expectation is he could miss 12 weeks. https://t.co/7ntRrbm51H
— Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) August 9, 2021
New Orleans Saints kicker Wil Lutz started training camp on the non-football injury list in July, and while it was expected that he would make a quick turnaround and be ready for the 2021 season after passing his physical, he is now being evaluated for core muscle surgery after exiting Saturday’s practice session early.
However, ESPN’s Mike Triplett reported that Lutz has been dealing with a groin injury, but the hope was that the timetable for return would be short.
Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football then reported that the Saints would be bringing in kickers for a tryout. That report made it seem as if the injury to Lutz was just a little bit more than nagging injury with a short time table as originally suspected.
Everything came to light shortly after both reports from Triplett and Underhill were released when NFL Network’s Ian Rapport revealed the main cause of Lutz’ absence and the need for New Orleans to bring in kickers for a tryout: a potential core muscle surgery.
Rapoport reports that an issue like this would usually have a position player out for about eight weeks. However, as a kicker, it could be even longer. Underhill reports the worst-case recovery could last 12 weeks, which the Athletic’s Larry Holder also reports.
If surgery is in fact needed and Lutz misses significant time, the Saints will have a number of new faces starting this season. 11 new starters to be precise. A quarterback competition between Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill, along with losses to key playmakers are at the forefront for this team heading into the season. Fans should prepare themselves for a “new look” New Orleans Saints this season.
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