#Saints first-round OT Trevor Penning suffered a torn ligament in his foot and will need surgery, sources say following the MRI. He’s out indefinitely.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2022
This is really unfortunate. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that New Orleans Saints rookie left tackle Trevor Penning needs surgery after tearing a ligament in his foot during the team’s final preseason game, which will sideline him indefinitely.
That lines up with previous reporting that said Penning suffered a turf toe injury — the worst variety of which involves ligament damage. Recovery from surgery can take months, putting a serious hurdle on the first rounder’s rookie year. If there is a chance he can return to play this year, it won’t be determined until after the procedure, and the team must carry him on the initial 53-man roster before designating Penning to injured reserve. It’s a frustrating quirk for the league’s IR rules.
Here’s to a full and swift recovery. In the meantime, the Saints are banking on James Hurst returning to health in time for the Sept. 11 regular season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Other offensive tackles on the depth chart include starting right tackle Ryan Ramczyk and his backups Landon Young and Lewis Kidd, as well as reserve left tackle Derrick Kelly.
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