The New Orleans Saints completed an expected move ahead of training camp by designating defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins to the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Rankins is still recovering from a torn Achilles tendon he suffered back in January. Herbie Teope of the Advocate first reported the news.
This wasn’t a surprise to anyone despite Rankins’ encouraging progress. Teope also reported on April 24 that Rankins had been cleared to stop wearing a medical boot, which would put him on track for an anticipated return in October. Things could certainly be worse; it can sometimes take as many as 10 months to recover from an Achilles injury, so the Saints are better off counting their blessings here.