As long as the Saints have coach Sean Payton running the show and quarterback Drew Brees throwing the passes, they’ll have a potent passing attack. But the receiver position has produced plenty of question marks in training camp, due in large part to injury.
The good news is that Marques Colston finally emerged from the physically unable to perform list on Monday, after missing 10 days of camp with a foot injury. The bad news is that up-and-comer Joe Morgan injured a knee during Saturday’s scrimmage, and his status is murky.
Payton didn’t disclose much about Morgan on Monday, but Morgan will be getting a second opinion.
Also injured is Andy Tanner, with a shoulder problem.
The situation has resulted in the Saints getting two new receivers, with the arrival of veteran Steve Breaston and the return of Brent Leonard, who was cut last Tuesday.
For now, the Saints need enough bodies to get through the reps of camp and the snaps of the preseason. Eventually, a Week One depth chart will have to shake out. While Colston and Lance Moore remain the likely starters, Morgan’s potential absence throws a wrench into the No. 3 position, and some guys without recognizable names will need to step up.
Or maybe they’ll just use Jimmy Graham more as a wideout. Which could put him on track for the receiver franchise tag in 2014. Which makes it even more prudent to sign him to a long-term deal now.