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

For the first time in 2023, the New Orleans Saints will have every offensive weapon at their disposal against the Indianapolis Colts.

Through the first seven weeks of the season, the New Orleans Saints have yet to field a full complement of offensive weaponry. Whether the absences stemmed from the running back or tight ends room, some piece has been missing each week for a variety of reasons. This week, ahead of their Week 8 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, that all changes.

Nov 20, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (83) celebrates his touchdown catch with wide receiver Chris Olave (12) in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints entered the season without their star running back Alvin Kamara while he served his three-game suspension and rookie back Kendre Miller while he further managed the injury he entered the league with. Soon the team would then miss tight end Foster Moreau for two games and have been without Juwan Johnson since Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Johnson, who we have been told was set to have a significant role against the Bucs, suffered an injury pregame that has sidelined him since. That is, until this weekend.

Whether or not Johnson, who has had a little bit of a history with soft-tissue injuries throughout his young career, will be 100% remains to be seen. But if he is, he should add a boost to an offense that has struggled early in 2023.

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 under estimated a little bit.”

Oct 20, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (83) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The converted wideout has continued to develop as a blocker and all-around option for the team. But his receiving prowess will always leap off the field first. Last year, Johnson's game really started to come to life in the Saints' Week 7 contest against the Arizona Cardinals. Over a seven game stretch, he reeled in all 7 of his touchdown catches on the season. A similar spark would be a huge boost to the New Orleans offense.

The Saints are already in must-win game territory after stumbling their way to a 3-4 record to start the season. Returns like this can go a long way to adding a much-needed spark. With their full contingent of tight ends, running backs and wide receivers expected to take the field at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Saints are looking to bounce back on offense.