This is a big hit. The New Orleans Saints lost Pro Bowl returns specialist and wide receiver Rashid Shaheed to injured reserve on Thursday, meaning he's out of action for the rest of the 2024 season. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that doctors had to repair Shaheed's torn meniscus rather than give it a trim, which means he's facing a recovery of four to six months.

Shaheed underwent knee surgery in Los Angeles and will likely return to New Orleans to recover. This is hugely disappointing for one of the team's young star talents, but it's for the best for Shaheed's career. Delaying surgery or taking half-measures to address the injury would have only worsened his situation. He'll get the chance to fully recover and prepare for 2025. He signed an extension with the Saints this summer that keeps him under  contract through 2026.

So where do the Saints go next? They signed rookie backup Jermaine Jackson to the 53-man roster to bring an immediate replacement on special teams, but no one on the roster can match Shaheed's speed. Chris Olave is dealing with a concussion so he'll be out for at least Thursday's game with the Denver Broncos. Stay tuned to see if more additions are coming at wide receiver.

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This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints lose Pro Bowl wide receiver to injured reserve, ending his season