The New Orleans Saints are getting an important piece back in the lineup ahead of their crucial Week 9 tilt against division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, the team may have to wait for a while as Saints wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders is still ruled out for Week 8 against the Chicago Bears but will make it in time to play next week, as per ESPN‘s Adam Schefter.

The Super Bowl 50 champion tested positive for COVID-19 last week but is already on his way to recovery. Prior to his contraction of the dreaded virus, Sanders had been playing well and has been a contributor on the offensive end for the Saints.

Through five games played this season, he has already amassed 304 receiving yards on 26 receptions along with two touchdowns scored. Another prolific wide receiver in Michael Thomas continues to be out due to his nagging hamstring injury. The three-time Pro Bowler has been sidelined since Week 1 because of a high ankle sprain, a team disciplinary action, and a hamstring injury that he suffered last week.

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JC Latham (Alabama), Chris Braswell (Alabama not Jaguars), Cornelieus Johnson (Michigan) in action behind a New Orleans Saints logo with a 2024 NFL Draft background.

Dylan Bruton ·

Undrafted rookie Marquez Callaway will also be out due to an ankle injury sustained during his breakout performance last weekend while Thomas and Sanders were out. The former Tennessee Volunteer caught eight passes for 75 yards in a tight 27-24 win over the Carolina Panthers.

Saints head coach Sean Payton and his men currently hold a 4-2 record while the Chicago Bears account for a 5-2 tally heading into Week 8 proceedings. The Saints will aim to extend their three-game winning streak even as they go to Windy City without three of its top four receivers.