Rashid Shaheed's promising 2024 season with the New Orleans Saints has been abruptly cut short due to a knee injury requiring surgery. The talented wide receiver and punt returner, aged 26, is set to miss the remainder of the season following a full repair of the meniscus. This news comes as a significant blow not only to Shaheed’s career trajectory but also to the Saints' aspirations for the year.
Since joining the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Weber State, Shaheed has been a rising star for the Saints. In 2023, he broke through with sensational performances, earning his first Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro selections as a punt returner—a testament to his electric playmaking abilities. His impact on the field continued into the 2024 season before injury sidelined him.
Before the injury, Shaheed was showcasing his unique prowess as both a receiver and return specialist. In the six games he played in 2024, he accumulated three receiving touchdowns and averaged an impressive 17.5 yards per catch. This feat positioned him second among players with at least 20 receptions in terms of average yards per catch, confirming his status as a deep-threat receiver. His ability to stretch the field was exemplified in Week 2, when he recorded an electrifying 70-yard touchdown reception against the Dallas Cowboys.
His contributions weren’t confined to receiving alone. Shaheed led the league in punt return average with 15.9 yards per return, including a remarkable 54-yard punt return. His penchant for big plays was further highlighted by his four touchdowns of 40 yards or longer in 2024, three of which were through the air.
Shaheed’s absence will indisputably be felt by the Saints as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Denver Broncos in Week 7 on "Thursday Night Football." This game will also see the Saints without other key players such as quarterback Derek Carr, offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz, and fellow wide receiver Chris Olave. Notably, Shaheed and Olave accounted for a substantial 50.4% of the Saints' receiving yards up to this point in the season.
With these significant absences, the Saints are turning to rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler to lead their offense. The task is daunting, as the rookie must navigate a depleted receiving corps against an NFL-caliber defense. However, the Saints may catch a break with Denver’s All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II ruled out due to a concussion. Surtain’s absence is noteworthy considering his dominant performances, boasting a league-best opponent passer rating of 14.7.
For the Saints, this game will be a critical test of their depth and resilience. The loss of Shaheed, who has been instrumental in their offensive strategy, presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the remaining players to step up. The team will need to adapt quickly and find new ways to leverage their playmakers to secure a win against the Broncos.
While the Saints face an uphill battle, the season-ending injury to Shaheed marks a pause in what has been a compelling journey for the young playmaker. His rapid ascent from an undrafted free agent to an All-Pro level performer underscores his talent and work ethic. As he focuses on recovery and rehabilitation, the hope remains that Shaheed will return to the field as dynamic as ever, ready to continue his impactful career in the NFL.