New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton announced Wednesday morning that receiver Joe Morgan and defensive end Kenyon Coleman will undergo surgeries that likely will sideline them for the 2013 season.
Payton said Morgan, a speedy receiver who caught 10 passes for 379 yards and three touchdowns last season, has a meniscus tear and a partial ACL tear. Morgan was injured during the Black and Gold scrimmage on Saturday.
After the news broke, Morgan tweeted. "Surgery soon. Long road ahead starts now. Prayers up"
"(Morgan's) role was there, and all of a sudden it's taken away," quarterback Drew Brees said after practice. "It's frustrating for him I know. I have been texting him quite a bit over the last couple of days. He is keeping his head up and staying positive. It's an opportunity for him to come back stronger both mentally and physically.
"He's keeping his head up, staying really positive. It's an opportunity for him to come back stronger, both physically and mentally, having to overcome something like that. (I told him) it's going to be tough but it'll be a defining moment for you and your career, and I believe that wholeheartedly.'
Coleman, a veteran defensive end who was entering his 12th season in the league, tore a pectoral muscle Tuesday during practice. He slammed his helmet to the ground in frustration after getting hurt. Coleman is very familiar with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's system having played for him the past two seasons in Dallas and in two seasons with the Cleveland Browns.
The Saints on Monday signed veteran receiver Steve Breaston and he will compete for playing time with a host of other receivers in camp including rookie Kenny Stills.
"Kenny Stills, for example, has been the one kind of filling in in that personnel grouping," Brees said. "He's playing very well. He seems to be grasping the offense very well. You can tell at times his head is spinning a little bit just because it's a lot of information and a lot to think about at times. But for a guy like him, for a guy like Toon, Tanner, Preston Parker has really stepped up and played well – there's quite a few guys that are kind of getting back in the mix. All these young receivers can play. It's just a matter of how they fit into the big picture."
