**Saints' Shaheed Out for Season After Knee Surgery**

NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Saints have announced that wide receiver and kick returner Rashid Shaheed will miss the remainder of the season following knee surgery. Shaheed underwent the procedure in Los Angeles on Thursday to investigate a meniscus injury, which ultimately required repair. The recovery period for such an operation typically spans four to six months, according to a source.

The Saints will face the Denver Broncos and former coach Sean Payton without two of their primary receivers. In addition to Shaheed, who led the team with 349 receiving yards and three touchdowns from 20 catches, Chris Olave will also be absent due to a concussion. Olave has recorded 23 catches for 289 yards and one touchdown this season.

Shaheed is the third key player from the Saints' roster to be placed on injured reserve recently. Starting center Erik McCoy underwent groin surgery after an injury in Week 3 and is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks. Additionally, safety Will Harris has been placed on IR due to a hamstring injury.

The Saints, currently 2-4, have been plagued by injuries this season. Significant absences include starting quarterback Derek Carr (oblique), guard Cesar Ruiz (knee), tight end Taysom Hill (rib), and linebacker Pete Werner (hamstring). Notably, linebacker Demario Davis missed the first game of his career because of injury during Week 4.

Shaheed, who entered the offseason as an exclusive rights free agent, signed a one-year, $5.2 million extension in July, securing his contract through the 2025 season.