The Saints Tight Ends Availability In Week 8

A look at the New Orleans Saints tight ends ahead of the Week 8 tilt in Indianapolis.

Has the tight end position gone into witness protection in New Orleans?  On Sunday, the Saints anticipate all of their tight ends will be available to play against the Indianapolis Colts.  Strangely, the tight end position has become overlooked in the Saints' offensive game plan, but it can potentially enhance Derek Carr's offensive output.

• Juwan Johnson returns to the lineup after rehabilitating a hamstring injury that caused him to sit out four games.
• Taysom Hill is listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report with a chest injury. Remember, the Saints' "Swiss Army Knife" is officially reported as a quarterback each game but used as a tight end.
• Jimmy Graham (illness) was not on the final injury report.
• Foster Moreau will be active.

This season, the tight ends of the Saints have only scored two touchdowns through receiving. In addition, Carr has targeted them 44 times of his 255 total passes, resulting in 33 receptions for a total of 276 yards. Among the group, Hill has been targeted the most, managing to make 15 receptions for 115 yards. However, the tight end unit has only provided New Orleans with nine first downs after seven games, indicating a clear need for improvement.

Aug 13, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) warms up before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs during the pregame at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Graham's involvement in the game has been identified by the NOLA police as MIA - Missing In Action. He was targeted twice, to catch one for 8 yards and a touchdown. After the Jaguars game, Dennis Allen, in an interview with the media, attributed Graham's limited usage as a "staff decision." Given Graham's experience and ability to score touchdowns, the New Orleans team should consider increasing his utilization as a target or decoy in the red zone. Will Pete Carmichael be able to incorporate Graham into the team's strategies for the Colts game? We shall see.

Saints Set To Field Full Complement Of Offensive Weapons Vs. Colts

Having Johnson back on the field will significantly benefit Carr, as he will bring a dependable option for short to medium-range passes, particularly when facing nickel defensive backs and linebackers. Johnson excels at creating opportunities along the center of the field and within the opponent's scoring area. Additionally, he was the top touchdown producer with seven last season.

Ross Jackson wrote about Johnson's return to the offense:

Johnson's contributions are most notable as a pass-catcher, but inside the organization, he has also made it known that he can help as a more complete tight end. "I think he brings an element to the passing game vertically that we like," offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael said. "He does a number of things, though, as far as routes, and then I always feel like his run game blocking has been underestimated a little bit."