Injury Sidelines Rising Star Rashid Shaheed for the 2024 Season
The New Orleans Saints will be marching forward without one of their bright lights, Rashid Shaheed, for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season. The wide receiver, known for his electric presence both in the receiving corps and as a punt returner, is set to undergo surgery for a complete repair of a meniscus in his knee, leaving a notable void in the Saints' lineup.
At 26, Shaheed's journey to the NFL was unconventional yet inspirational. Emerging from Weber State as an undrafted free agent, his ascent in the league has been nothing short of meteoric. In 2023, he captured the league’s attention by earning his first Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro selections, marking him as one of the league's premier punt returners.
This season, Shaheed continued his impactful play, underscoring his value to the Saints' offense. In the first six games, he secured three receiving touchdowns, maintaining an impressive average of 17.5 yards per catch. His ability to stretch the field was highlighted by a ranking of second among players with at least 20 receptions in terms of average yards per catch. Furthermore, his prowess in punt returns reached new heights as he led the league with an average of 15.9 yards per return, decorating his stat line with a notable 54-yard punt return.
One of Shaheed's hallmark plays this season occurred in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys, where he delivered a sensational 70-yard receiving touchdown. His capacity for big plays is evidenced by four touchdowns spanning 40 yards or more in the season, with three of those being receiving touchdowns.
As the Saints look toward their Week 7 showdown against the Denver Broncos on "Thursday Night Football," they will be without several key players. Alongside Shaheed, quarterback Derek Carr, right guard Cesar Ruiz, and wide receiver Chris Olave will also miss the game. Olave and Shaheed combined have accounted for more than half—50.4%—of the Saints' receiving yards in 2024, underlining the significant obstacle the Saints' offense faces sans their contributions.
With rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler set to helm the offense, the challenge is magnified. Rattler will be thrown into the fray against a Broncos defense missing its star cornerback, Pat Surtain II, sidelined due to a concussion. Surtain's absence is impactful, given his league-best opponent passer rating of 14.7, theoretically offering a slight relief for Rattler and the Saints' passing game.
The game against the Broncos represents a crucial juncture for the Saints as they navigate the season without some of their formidable talents. While the onus will be on rookies and backup players to step into larger roles, Shaheed's absence is felt not just in numbers but in the explosive, game-changing potential that’s been a hallmark of his presence on the field.
As the Saints continue their 2024 campaign, the team and fans alike will be hoping for a successful recovery for Rashid Shaheed, whose dynamic contributions have been a significant part of the Saints' offensive pulse. The road ahead will require adjustments and recalibrations, emphasizing the next-man-up mentality that defines resilient franchises in the NFL.