New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham was forced from yesterday's 37-31 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with an injury to his right shoulder, which he sustained in the second quarter after a collision with linebacker Lavonte David.
Graham headed to the sideline and worked with trainers momentarily before briefly returning to the game. He hauled in a 23-yard reception upon his return, but exited shortly after and headed to the locker room for x-rays before halftime. Though he was initially reported as 'probable' to return, Graham's day was done. He reeled in 2 receptions for 36 yards in his limited action and was replaced by Josh Hill. Through 5 games, the 6-7 265 playmaker has caught 34 passes for 376 yards and 3 touchdowns. Graham led the NFL in touchdown receptions a season ago with 16.
Multiple media outlets have reported that the injury is not thought to be serious, citing sources close to both Graham and the Saints. Per the sources, Graham is believed to have suffered a sprained shoulder, appearing to have avoided any type of serious structural damage. The shoulder injury suffered by Jimmy Graham in week5 is not thought to be serious.
The Saints enter their bye week, which will give the dynamic tight end an extra week to heal before the team returns to action in week 7 against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. In addition to Graham, the Saints will be hoping to welcome back Mark Ingram, who has been sidelined since breaking his hand in the week 2 loss at Cleveland. The likes of Patrick Robinson, Jonathan Goodwin, Ramon Humber and Kenny Vaccaro are also looking forward to the opportunity the open date brings to catch up on rest.
At 2-3 after five games, the Saints' season has not quite got off to the start that the team and its fans expected. Having players like Jimmy Graham and Mark Ingram healthy and available for the remaining 11 games will go a long way towards enhancing the team's fortunes in the NFC South, where no clear leader has yet to emerge as week 6 beckons.