### Rashid Shaheed to Undergo Surgery, Potentially Heading to Injured Reserve

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is set to have surgery on his meniscus following a knee injury sustained in Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Saints' coach Dennis Allen confirmed on Wednesday that Shaheed will undergo the procedure in Los Angeles. Whether his meniscus will need repairing or simply trimming is still undecided, as the team evaluates the best course of action.

Allen acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the duration of Shaheed's recovery. If his meniscus requires repair, Shaheed might be sidelined for the remainder of the season. On the other hand, a less extensive procedure, such as a trim, could see him miss several weeks. Regardless, the Saints are preparing for the 26-year-old to be out for some time. The possibility of placing Shaheed on injured reserve was also mentioned by Allen, which would mandate a minimum absence of four games. This would mean Shaheed would be out at least until the Dec. 1 game against the Los Angeles Rams, assuming he is placed on the list after the upcoming game against the Denver Broncos.

This injury further complicates the Saints' wide receiver roster, especially with Chris Olave already ruled out of Thursday's game due to a concussion. Shaheed's expected surgery on Thursday adds to the urgency. ESPN has reported that if Shaheed does not require a full repair, the recovery period might be shorter, possibly just a few weeks instead of a season-ending timeframe.

The setback interrupts what had been a very promising start to the season for Shaheed, who was on track for a career year with 20 catches totaling 349 yards and three touchdowns over the first six games. In addition, he made a notable impact on special teams with a 54-yard punt return touchdown last week. This marks Shaheed's first major injury over his three-year career with the Saints, although he did miss two games last year due to a thigh injury.

The Saints will now need to navigate upcoming games without one of their rising stars, hoping for a swift and successful recovery for Shaheed.