Shaheed's hopes for a minor injury fade as doctors confirm a meniscus repair, sidelining him for the rest of the season. Recovery will take up to six months.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is expected to miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery for a meniscus injury on Thursday.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Shaheed has been placed on injured reserve and is now facing a recovery period of about four to six months.
In the first six weeks of the season, Shaheed had been a standout for the 2-4 Saints, leading the team with 20 receptions, 349 yards, and three touchdowns.
The news broke just hours before the Saints were set to play the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. Shaheed’s absence added to the team’s challenges, as they were already set to be without Chris Olave, who suffered a concussion during last Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Shaheed had knee surgery in Los Angeles on Thursday to address the meniscus injury. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, doctors repaired the meniscus, setting his recovery time at four to six months.
Shaheed, known for his explosive kick returns, led the league with an average of 15.9 yards per punt return. Just last week, he returned a punt for a touchdown against the Buccaneers.
This injury makes Shaheed the third major player from the Saints to be placed on injured reserve. Center Erik McCoy, who had groin surgery after an injury in Week 3, is expected to be out for six to eight weeks. Additionally, safety Will Harris (hamstring) was also placed on IR recently.
Shaheed’s 2024 season stats are as follows:
| Targets | Receptions | Yards | YAC (Yards After Catch) | Touchdowns | Yards per Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | 20 | 349 | 106 | 3 | 17.5 |
| Week | Opponent | Targets | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | @Panthers | 5 | 3 | 73 | 1 |
| Week 2 | @Cowboys | 4 | 4 | 96 | 1 |
| Week 3 | @Eagles | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Week 4 | @Falcons | 11 | 8 | 83 | 0 |
| Week 5 | @Chiefs | 9 | 4 | 86 | 1 |
| Week 6 | @Buccaneers | 7 | 1 | 11 | 0 |
The Saints had a strong offensive start to the season, but injuries and tough matchups have slowed their momentum. Heading into Thursday Night Football, the team could be looking at a 2-5 record if they lose to the Denver Broncos.
Without Shaheed, the explosiveness of the Saints’ passing game will take a hit, and fantasy managers relying on him will face some tough decisions. He had been a reliable target for quarterback Derek Carr.
It’s a tough blow, especially since he was having an outstanding start. With 20 receptions for 349 yards and three touchdowns, Shaheed was also leading the NFL in punt returns, averaging 15.9 yards per return, and putting up an impressive 28.5 yards per kickoff return.
After going undrafted out of Weber State in 2022, Shaheed quickly emerged as a key playmaker for the Saints. Unfortunately, they’ll have to wait until 2025 to see his next big moment on the field.
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