This is concerning. Starting tight end Juwan Johnson left the New Orleans Saints’ game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers early on their opening drive with what the team described as a calf injury, announcing that he was questionable to return. Johnson had not been listed on the injury report each week with a calf issue but he did receive treatment for it during preseason.
That meant Jimmy Graham was the only remaining option at tight end; Foster Moreau was ruled out with an injury of his own, and the Saints did not activate either of their practice squad tight ends (Tommy Hudson and Michael Jacobson) prior to kickoff. They could also line up quarterback Taysom Hill and fullback Adam Prentice inline at tight end, but Graham figures to take the most snaps in Johnson’s absence.
Buy Saints TicketsUpdate: Johnson was later downgraded and ruled out from returning.