METAIRIE, La. -- Derek Newton's comeback from two torn patellar tendons hit another obstacle Thursday when the veteran offensive tackle was released by the New Orleans Saints.
Newton, who signed with the Saints two weeks ago, has not played since he suffered the injury with the Houston Texans in 2016.
The 31-year-old said he believes he would be the first to ever come back and play in a NFL game after tearing both patellar tendons at the same time. He said he was laid up in bed for nearly two months after the injury, then spent nearly three weeks in a wheelchair after that.
It's unclear why the Saints released Newton, but it's possible that they wanted someone who would be ready to play sooner, since injuries have been piling up on their offensive line lately. Starting left tackle Terron Armstead has missed the past five games with a torn pectoral, though he is getting closer to a return. Center Max Unger (concussion) and backup left tackle Jermon Bushrod (hamstring) missed practice Wednesday after leaving Monday night's game early at Carolina. Another veteran backup, Michael Ola, was placed on injured reserve two weeks ago.
The Saints replaced Newton by signing another veteran offensive tackle, Cornelius Lucas, who was released by the Los Angeles Rams after the preseason.
