This is brutal: the New Orleans Saints had to place linebacker Andrew Dowell on injured reserve Wednesday evening, per the daily NFL transactions wire. Examinations on his knee injury revealed more damage than anticipated, ending the fifth-year pro’s season. It’s a really tough break for a young player who received few guarantees in his minimum-salary contract this summer.
Saints head coach Dennis Allen expressed optimism on Dowell’s outlook after their recent training camp practice, but clearly the injury was more serious than it first appeared. Dowell had been productive at camp after earning more reps for his dependable play on special teams. The 26-year-old led New Orleans in special teams snaps played in 2022 (379) after ranking third (340) a year earlier. He’s known for his skills covering punts and kickoffs, having forced two fumbles in the game’s third phase.
Will the Saints sign someone to replace him? It’s possible, but they have a lot of similar players on the roster as it stands. Veterans Zack Baun, Ryan Connelly, and Ty Summers are both well-versed in special teams work in the NFL. First- and second-year pros like Nephi Sewell, D’Marco Jackson, Anfernee Orji, and Nick Anderson also have a lot of potential. New Orleans could use a more-proven commodity at linebacker to back up Demario Davis and Pete Werner, but don’t look for an earthshaking move here.
