2 min read • June 03, 2022
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Jameis Winston has provided easy content fodder over the last week after making his return to the Saints during their voluntary OTAs.
The 28-year-old projected Saints starting quarterback was donning a heavy brace on his left knee and moving with a “visible limp,” according to reports, while he worked with new New Orleans wideouts Chris Olave and Jarvis Landry for the first time.
The ProFootballDocs are still encouraged by Winston’s progress in return from his traumatic knee injury a little over seven months ago.
Winston will have an SIC health score of 81 to begin the 2022 season, a number that will rise as he regains his mobility and trust in his knee.
Winston’s limp and limited participation is not surprising or concerning, according to the Docs, because of the multi-ligament nature of his injury.
Winston suffered a torn ACL with associated MCL damage last Halloween, shutting him down for the season.
Every ACL recovery is unique, and the added element of the MCL – and likely some cartilage – doesn’t help quicken the process.
The former No. 1 overall pick is tracking towards being available when training camp opens and starting in Week 1, although there is no way to be 100%.
One former quarterback, Philip Rivers – who was evaluated and operated on by ProFootballDoc, Dr. David Chao – was able to return only 100 days after his surgery, but that is an anomaly.
He will likely struggle with his movement outside of the pocket, making him vulnerable to taking more sacks and making more dangerous throws under pressure.
Expect the Saints to rely on their rushing game early in the season and for Winston to improve closer to the year mark post-surgery.
New Orleans, albeit under Sean Payton, was a run-heavy team early in 2021, throwing the ball under 25 times in each of the first four games and never throwing for over 300 yards with Winston under center.
Winston will have a much-improved receiving corps with the additions of Olave and Landry and the anticipated return of Michael Thomas which will certainly help ease him back, but it would be wise to temper expectations for Winston this season.
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