The New Orleans Saints' secondary again faces a huge setback with cornerback Keenan Lewis expected to miss four to six weeks of action after reportedly going through a hip surgery last Tuesday.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported the news and tweeted that Lewis' surgery is believed to be "sports hernia related."
Lewis did not participate in the Saints' practice Tuesday according to ESPN although he played in their preseason game last Sunday against the Houston Texans.
The loss of Lewis is a tough blow for the Saints since he emerged to be their best cornerback and defensive player.
Now New Orleans will likely start the returning Brandon Browner and Canadian Football League import Delvin Breaux in Lewis' absence.
Browner was also hurt and was out of action for three weeks because of a leg injury, although ESPN reported that he was back and did individual drills during Tuesday's practice.
Along with the injuries to Lewis and Browner, safety Jairus Byrd has also been out for the Saints because of a knee injury that made him miss the entire training camp.
There is no timetable for his return but New Orleans head coach Sean Payton said they are hoping to have him back this preseason, ESPN reported.
Another player out for the Saints is rookie cornerback P.J. Williams, who, according to NFL.com, was placed on the season-ending injured reserve last Tuesday with a torn hamstring.
The Saints need to make quick adjustments with the 2015 season just around the corner.
New Orleans lost their last preseason game to Green Bay Packers at the Lambeau Field on Thursday, Sept. 3. Aside from the Packers, New Orleans also suffered loses to Baltimore Ravens, defending NFL champions New England Patriots, and the Texans this preseason.
The Saints will open their new season on the road facing the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on Sept. 13.
