Saints designate backup WR Bennie Fowler to injured reserve

So much for using the bye week to get healthy. The New Orleans Saints exited Week 6 with a slew of new injuries and health issues to manage, particularly focused on the wide receiver corps.

First, No. 2 receiver Emmanuel Sanders was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list after recording a positive test result. Then, No. 1 wideout Michael Thomas was ruled out after injuring his hamstring earlier this week. And now, veteran backup Bennie Fowler is landing on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

Fowler’s injury held him out of practice all week, so this isn’t totally a surprise. But it is another big hit to a part of the roster that could really use some good news. Here’s what the Saints depth chart looks like at wide receiver now:

1. Michael Thomas (ruled out with injury)
2. Emmanuel Sanders (reserve/COVID-19)
3. Tre’Quan Smith (21 targets)
4. Deonte Harris (11 targets)
5. Marquez Callaway (7 targets)
6. Bennie Fowler (injured reserve)
7. Austin Carr (practice squad)
8. Juwan Johnson (practice squad)
9. Tommylee Lewis (practice squad)