Posted at 2:11 p.m., Tuesday, September 25, 2007
NFL: Saints CB David out 4-6 weeks
Associated Press
METAIRIE, La, — New Orleans Saints starting cornerback Jason David will miss four to six weeks with a fractured left forearm.Head coach Sean Payton said today he hasn't decided who will start in David's place when New Orleans returns to action at home against the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 7.
David got hurt during the Saints' 31-14 loss to Tennessee on Monday night, a costly game in which running back Deuce McAllister was lost for the season with torn left knee ligaments.
David's possible replacements include Jason Craft, rookie Usama Young and veteran Fred Thomas.
"All those guys will be in the mix," Payton said. "The specifics of who will start, we'll decide later on."
The Saints have a bye week now, which could help several players nursing minor injuries from Monday night come back without missing any games.
Starting linebacker Scott Fujita has a sore right ankle, starting left tackle Jammal Brown dislocated a finger and receiver David Patten has a sore calf, Payton said. All three to be back for the next game.
David, who was not available for comment today, signed a four-year contract worth about $15.6 million with the Saints as a restricted free agent following three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.
At times, David has shown the big-play skills the Saints thought they were getting. He forced a fumble and returned it for a touchdown in Week 1 against the Colts. He intercepted Vince Young on Monday night.
But he also has allowed several deep completions, a couple for touchdowns, and has said his adjustment to the Saints defensive schemes, which require a lot of man-to-man coverage, has been slower and more difficult than he had hoped.
