The New Orleans Saints might be shorthanded at tight end for their Week 4 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Juwan Johnson suffered an injury on Sunday, leaving the Saints will little to no TE depth. What happened to Johnson, and what’s his status for the rest of today’s contest?
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Juwan Johnson Injury Update
Johnson suffered a calf injury on Sunday, as the Saints announced. New Orleans initially announced that Johnson is questionable to return shortly after kickoff, so it’s unclear if he actually played a snap.
The Saints updated Johnson’s status in the third quarter, officially ruling him out for the remainder of Sunday’s game.
Saints TE Juwan Johnson downgraded to out
— John DeShazier (@JohnDeShazier) October 1, 2023
After posting a 42-508-7 line in a breakout 2022 campaign, Johnson has gotten off to a slow start this season. He’s managed just seven receptions for 61 scoreless yards through three games.
But Johnson’s loss will still be felt, as the Saints have only one other tight end — veteran Jimmy Graham — on their active roster. Foster Moreau couldn’t suit up for Week 4 due to an ankle injury.
Taysom Hill also plays plenty of tight end, even if he’s technically listed as a quarterback. Hill should see plenty of action if Johnson is ultimately ruled out for the remainder of Sunday’s game.
If Johnson misses significant time, New Orleans would likely promote one of the two tight ends on its practice squad: Tommy Hudson or Michael Jacobson.
Fantasy Fallout From Johnson’s Injury
Johnson had some hype coming into the year, but he’s done very little up to this point to deliver on those expectations. If Johnson is forced to miss some time, Graham becomes a touchdown-or-bust option from a fantasy standpoint, at least while Moreau misses time.
The primary beneficiary would be Hill, as a Johnson injury would likely lead to an increased snap share and opportunity for the offensive weapon. That said, Hill would remain consistently outside of the top 12 TEs in fantasy rankings.
— PFN Fantasy Director Kyle Yates