Saints await announcement about Smith, Grant
Published: September 14th, 2009 | Tags: Charles Grant, Kevin Williams, New Orleans Saints, Pat Williams, StarCaps, Will Smith
The NFL has yet to make an announcement regarding the ability of Saints ends Will Smith and Charles Grant to play next week, but for now the team is proceeding as if they can, according to sources. The league could make a ruling Tuesday regarding their status, which has come into question.
Grant and Smith, as well as Vikings defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams, were issued four-game suspensions for using a banned diuretic, but a Minnesota state court ruling has allowed the Vikings players to play to this point, and a final ruling from that state court is not expected until the end of the season.
Last week, the NFL ruled Grant and Smith could still play while a federal court ruling regarding the Vikings’ players was still pending, and that decision ultimately came down in favor of players.
The Saints have heard nothing new from the league this week, as of Monday night, according to sources.
The coaches and scouts were told at a staff meeting Monday that there have been no updates from the league and they should assume both are playing until told otherwise. However, word could come as soon as Tuesday.