Jimmy Graham fully expected to play

New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) warms up prior to kickoff against the Buffalo Bills at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Saints star tight end Jimmy Graham was limited in last week’s win over the Buffalo Bills with plantar fasciitis, and he was initially not expected to play. However, Graham’s injury felt better as the day went on, and he looked good enough during pre-game warmups that the Saints decided to make him active. He was a game-time decision last week, but the injury didn’t affect his ability to post big fantasy numbers and find the end zone. Despite being limited, Graham still managed to haul in three passes for 37 yards and two touchdowns, and he’s always a threat to score when he’s on the field.

Graham was able to practice all week and is officially listed as questionable on the Saints injury report. Although his snaps were significantly constrained last week due to the injury, Graham still had those two TDs, and he expects to receive a full workload today against the New York Jets. It was initially speculated that Antonio Cromartie could shadow Graham today, but Cromartie stated yesterday that he doesn’t think that will be the case. Graham is going to be a big part of the Saints offense (as usual) today and should have another monstrous performance.

The All-Pro TE is fully expected to play today, and the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Jimmy Graham “hopes” and “expects” to play. NFC South colleague Roddy White, however, is not expected to partake in today’s rivalry matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

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