The Ugly: More injuries at the worst time

New Orleans went into the season with great depth on both their offensive line as well as their defensive secondary. Now, with injuries to key positions on both of those units, that depth will be tested as the Saints compete for playoff seeding. Rookie safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a concussion on Monday night, and now must pass through the NFL’s concussion protocol before returning to the field.

With safety Vonn Bell already out with a knee injury, it will be interesting to see how the Saints defense is able to cope with that possible loss. The third-stringer, rookie Saquan Hampton, committed an unnecessary pass-interference penalty in the end zone to set up the lone Colts score.

On offense, starting right guard and repeat-Pro Bowler Larry Warford was helped to the locker room with what looked like a serious knee injury. Backups Patrick Omameh and Will Clapp are expected to step in during Warford’s absence, but they’re stretched thin considering left guard Andrus Peat isn’t ready to return yet from a broken arm.

With just two weeks to go until the playoffs, it’s even more critical that the Saints secure a top-two seed and the bye week that comes with it. Their injured teammates might need the extra time to recover.

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