Just two days after Dez Bryant finally returned to the NFL, it appears that his 2018 season is now in jeopardy.
The New Orleans Saints fear that Bryant tore his Achilles tendon on the final play of Friday’s practice, a source confirmed to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The news was first reported by the NFL Network, which said Bryant will undergo an MRI.
But a source told Schefter that testing on Bryant’s Achilles is considered “a formality,” as doctors already believe it is torn. The Injury is expected to sideline Bryant for eight months, putting him on track to potentially be ready for training camp next year.
Bryant acknowledged the setback in a tweet on Friday afternoon, writing, “This is the ultimate test.”
In the meantime, the Saints officially listed Bryant as limited in Friday’s practice with an ankle injury. Head coach Sean Payton did not acknowledge the injury when asked about Bryant after Friday’s practice, before the news broke.
Bryant, who turned 30 on Sunday, had not been with a team since he was released by the Dallas Cowboys in April. He practiced for the first time on Thursday.
The Saints could potentially turn to another decorated veteran receiver, Brandon Marshall, who also impressed the team during a Tuesday workout, according to Schefter. The Saints also auditioned veteran receiver Kamar Aiken on Tuesday before opting to sign Bryant.
Bryant was unlikely to play this week at Cincinnati, regardless, so the Saints don’t immediately have to alter their game plan, with Michael Thomas and rookie Tre’Quan Smith as their top two receivers. But they will almost certainly look to add depth at the position next week after placing Cameron Meredith on injured reserve on Wednesday and Ted Ginn Jr. on IR last month.
The Saints could also activate undrafted rookie receiver Keith Kirkwood from their practice squad for added depth Sunday.
Meanwhile, for Bryant, this continues a tumultuous year that began with a messy divorce in Dallas. The three-time Pro Bowler was released in April when he was due to earn $12.5 million.
Bryant said Thursday that he had been working out and getting his body and mind right all season — but he also acknowledged that he was “thinking about preparing for the next year” before he got the call from Payton to come audition in New Orleans.
“Just lot of ups and downs,” Bryant said when asked to describe the past two months. “Wanting to play football, thinking about playing football.”
Bryant said he had turned down other opportunities to work out this season, without offering any specifics. He reportedly turned down at least one multiyear contract offer during the offseason.
When asked what made this situation different, Bryant had pointed first to the opportunity to play with “big GOAT” Drew Brees and “baby GOATs” Thomas and running back Alvin Kamara.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Bryant was among the NFL’s best in his prime. He recorded three straight seasons of at least 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns from 2012 to 2014, and he earned Pro Bowl invites in 2013, 2014 and 2016.
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SOURCE: ESPN – Mike Triplett
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