Saints Designate Payton Turner to Return from Injured Reserve

Saints could have defensive reinforcements on the way.

New Orleans Saints DE Payton Turner has been designated by the team to return from injured reserve. This was first reported by NFL Insider Aaron Wilson on Friday afternoon. It was confirmed by John Hendrix of the Saints News Network, who reported that Turner was spotted in practice but will not play this Sunday when the Saints host the New York Giants. 

Turner now has a 21-day practice window where he can be activated. He has been on injured reserve since suffering a toe injury in the season opener against the Tennessee Titans. In the third year of his four-year rookie contract, Turner has a base salary of just under $1.8 million in 2023.

New Orleans made Turner the 28th pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Houston. Over his final three collegiate seasons, Turner had 9.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss. He shot up draft boards with his combination of power and athletic ability. 

Injuries have limited Turner to only 14 of a possible 47 games over his three seasons with the Saints. When able to play, his contributions have been well below expectations. However, he's flashed potential with three sacks, six QB hits, 12 pressures, and eight tackles for loss as a rotational defensive end. 

Oct 30, 2022; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is sacked by New Orleans Saints defensive end Payton Turner (98). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The 6'6" and 270-Lb. Turner is a long-limbed athlete with solid power and explosive ability. He had a strong training camp and preseason this offseason. It led many to believe that he was on his way to a breakout campaign before yet another injury put him out of action. 

Turner, 25, will not play this Sunday when the 6-7 Saints take on the 5-8 Giants. New Orleans plays the Rams, Buccaneers, and Falcons over the last three weeks of the year. The Saints are currently in a three-way tie with the Buccaneers and Falcons for first place in the NFC South.

If activated, Turner could possibly help a New Orleans pass rush that is among the worst in the NFL. The Saints have just 23 sacks, third fewest total in the league. They've also had massive struggles against the run, giving up the most rushing yards in the league over the last eight weeks.