Ted Ginn‘s return to practice may lead to a quick re-emergence in a Saints game uniform. The Saints activated their veteran deep threat off IR, Field Yates of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter).
Just given the IR-return designation Wednesday, Ginn may well suit up to face the Steelers on Sunday. New Orleans waived tackle Cornelius Lucas to clear space on its 53-man roster, Nick Underhill of The Advocate reports.
The Saints used both of their IR-return slots on wide receivers this season, with Ginn’s activation following Tommylee Lewis‘. While Lewis is more of a special teams cog, Ginn returning to the Saints’ rotation would stabilize their fluid receiver situation. Michael Thomas has continued to carry the load for New Orleans, but the NFC-leading team has not found aerial consistency beyond its No. 1 target.
In the second season of a three-year contract, Ginn has not played since Week 4. An ankle injury sent him to IR. In the Saints’ first two games, he caught nine passes for 123 yards. Last season, Ginn served as a top option for Drew Brees, posting 787 yards and four touchdown receptions.
Tre’Quan Smith has served as New Orleans’ de facto No. 2 wideout but has not been especially reliable. Despite lacking much in the way of passing-game depth, the Saints have motored to 12-2. They are one win away from clinching home-field advantage in the NFC for the first time since 2009.