Saints place DE Charles Grant on IR (1 Viewer)

[myhousekey]

http://www.neworleanssaints.com/Articles/2...n%20Thomas.aspx

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PLACE DE CHARLES GRANT ON INJURED RESERVE

For Immediate Release: Monday, November 3, 2008

New Orleans Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis announced Monday that the team has placed defensive end Charles Grant on the reserve/injured list due to a triceps injury, ending the season for the seven-year veteran.

Grant was drafted by the club in the first round in 2002 and has anchored the left side of the defensive line since taking over as the starting left defensive end in 2003. In 102 career regular season games, the 6-3, 285-pound lineman has started 90 contests and recorded 41½ sacks, 452 tackles, 13 forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and an interception.

“Charles has played a key role for our team since we drafted him six years ago,” Loomis said. “This is obviously a loss for our defense, but injuries are a part of our league and it presents an opportunity for other players to step up and answer the call.”

The 30-year-old defender had played in all but two career games since coming into the league, having been sidelined for two weeks in 2007 with an ankle sprain. Grant ranks 10th in club history in sacks and the former University of Georgia standout is tied for the team-lead through the first half of the 2008 season with three quarterback takedowns among his 41 tackles.

Edit: In regards to when a possible suspension would take place. http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/11/03/...ng-back-thomas/

UPDATE: A league source tells us that Grant could serve his possible suspension arising from a positive Bumetanide result while on IR. And that could save him a lot of money. At a 2008 base salary of $750,000, a suspension would cost $176,470. Next year, his base salary increases to $1.85 million, which would push the four-game loss to $435,294. So, for now, the appeal process will continue. At some point, Grant might have to decide whether to drop the appeal and take all or part of the suspension at his 2008 salary rate — and at a time when he won’t be playing, anyway.