The New Orleans Saints lost a possible contributor to their linebacker corps on Friday, with Josh Martin being designated to the injured reserve list. Martin was signed shortly after the start of training camp after spending most of his NFL career with the New York Jets; he hoped to catch on as a backup linebacker and special teams ace while playing with a former teammate in Demario Davis.
Now, Martin’s year is likely over after he suffered a shoulder injury against his former team last week in the Saints-Jets preseason game. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network first reported the roster move with details of his injury, which includes a torn labrum and other related damage to his shoulder. Surgery and a long recovery process are in store for the 27-year-old.
And it couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Saints. They’re already shorthanded at linebacker with a starter (Alex Anzalone) and top backup (Craig Robertson) missing time with their own injuries lately, and a teammate with similar experience to Martin (Will Compton) also exiting the Saints’ preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday with an undisclosed ailment. The Saints could be on the lookout for depth at the position as roster cuts spread throughout the league.
