The New Orleans Saints newest addition Dez Bryant suffered an Achilles tear in practice Friday. The 30-year-old receiver signed with the Saints Thursday after an extended stay on the free agent market. Dez Bryant was released by the Dallas Cowboys earlier this year.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the injury on Twitter.
Dez Bryant was helped off the field at #Saints practice today after suffering what the team fears may be a torn Achilles, sources tell me and @RapSheet. He’s getting an MRI now.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 9, 2018
Saints fear WR Dez Bryant tore his Achilles on the last play of practice today, as @nflnetwork also reported.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 9, 2018
Testing on Saints’ WR Dez Bryant’s Achilles is considered “a formality”, per source. Doctors believe it is torn. Injury expected to sideline him eight months, putting him on track to potentially be ready for training camp.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 9, 2018
New Orleans had high hopes for the veteran receiver, adding him to a roster that handed the undefeated Los Angeles Rams their first loss of the season in their most recent game. Bryant was looking to prove himself with the Saints in hopes of a big contract next season. So much so that he turned down a multi-year contract from the Baltimore Ravens earlier in the season.
Bryant tweeted following the reported injury.
Things was just starting to heat up for me… I won’t question the man upstairs… this is the ultimate test.. thank you everyone for the prayers
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) November 9, 2018
I’ve let a lot of things get to me in my life and I promise this will not be one..I’m thankful for God..life..my family.. my cool projects that I’m working on.. so be on the look out for @personalcorner coming soon and call of duty blacks ops 4 zombies..
Life could be worse
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) November 10, 2018
Dez Bryant’s injury not only damages his value for next season but has left the Saints looking for another option at the wide receiver position. Drew Brees is in the middle of an MVP run this season and Bryant was a welcome improvement to the wide receiving core. In his absence, the Saints are back in need of a wide receiver and with the trade deadline already elapsed, the free agent market is their only option. Some available options to the Saints include Jeremy Maclin, Kenny Britt, and Brandon Marshall.
Adam Schefter reported on the Saints options on Twitter
With it looking as if Dez Bryant tore his Achilles today, Saints could turn back to veteran WR Brandon Marshall, who impressed New Orleans during his workout this week.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 9, 2018
The Saints are currently in first place in the NFC South division and look to have the most explosive offense in the league. After the Carolina Panthers loss to the Pittsburg Steelers on Thursday night, the Saints have a bit more room between them and second place in their division. Looking to overtake the NFC leading Rams, to guarantee home-field advantage and a first-round bye in the playoffs, the Saints added Dez Bryant but a few days later they are looking for his replacement.
