The New Orleans Saints received a big boost during practice on Monday, when they were joined by a very welcome addition: defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. Rankins had been sidelined ever since rupturing his Achilles tendon in the Saints’ playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles back in January, but team medical staff cleared him to practice for the first time in eight months. New Orleans activated him from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, allowing him to gradually work his way back into full participation. While it’s unlikely Rankins will be ready to suit up for the Saints’ season-opener, his ahead-of-schedule return is highly encouraging.
No one knew that more than his Saints teammates; when they noticed Rankins lining up in their midst to warm up for practice, several players greeted their teammate with his signature sack celebration, the “Sheldon Shimmy.” Saints quarterback Teddy Bridgewater — who has known Rankins ever since they played together at Louisville in college — demonstrated the move:
Rankins placed second on the team last year in sacks (8.0), quarterback hits (15), and tackles for loss (12), all the more impressive considering he lines up over guards and centers rather than out on the edge, where top-shelf pass rushers make their money. Even if he misses the first few regular season games while continuing to return to form, Rankins should give an already-stout Saints defense some added firepower.
