Jimmy Graham set to be used in red zone role
New Orleans Saints star tight end Jimmy Graham isn’t a lock to play in today’s game against the Detroit Lions, but it sounds like the Saints expect him to be out there in a limited role. He’s a game-time decision on the shoulder injury he suffered two weeks ago, and the injury is significant enough that he isn’t a guarantee to play following the bye. It’s a critical game for the Saints, who have been a big disappointment to this season and need to make a statement by beating a tough team; I’m sure topping Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi would only add to the sweetness.
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The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports, via NFL.com’s Conor Orr, that Graham will play today, but the Saints will restrict his role by mostly utilizing him in the red zone. It’s a wise plan, though it isn’t surprising at all, since it mirrors what many teams do, and the Saints and Graham did this to great effect last year when he played- and made a huge impact in the red zone- through an injury last year.
So far this season, Graham has caught 34 passes for 376 yards and three touchdowns, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he added a fourth today. Graham is clearly one of the teams most important players, and you could definitely say that only Drew Brees is more important to the Saints success.