New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton delivered some welcome good news on Saturday, confirming that injured defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is ahead of schedule in his recovery. Rankins suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the Saints’ playoffs victory over the Philadelphia Eagles back in January, and underwent surgery soon after.
Payton couldn’t offer a firm timetable on Rankins’ return to action during media availability after training camp practice, but he was clearly encouraged by Rankins’ progress. Achilles injuries can take eight to ten months to bounce back from fully, and from the sound of things Rankins is expected back sooner rather than later.