Charles

Grant

He’s a bright spot in the pathetic Saints defense. New Orleans is ranked last in nearly every team category.

He has four on the season and has been the Saints best defender every week.

Grant added seven tackles and a forced fumble. He’s on his way to the Pro Bowl with this kind of start.

What an amazing season. 46 tackles, 7.5 sacks, a number of game changing plays, and probably his first Pro Bowl appearance.

In exchange, Grant pleaded no contest to public fighting (“affray”) and paid a $1,000 fine, in addition to serving one year of probation. He’ll also pay $20,000 to the Early County Sheriff’s Office for investigative costs. Grant has received no interest on the free agent market since being released by New Orleans in March. He is recovering from a torn triceps muscle.

New Orleans’ front four, led by Grant and Darren Howard, dominated all day. Grant finishes with 10.5 sacks on the season.

A fight allegedly broke out at the club, and a pregnant woman was shot and killed. “We are aware of the situation,” Saints spokesman Greg Bensel said Sunday. “We are still gathering information. We understand that Charles was not seriously injured. It is an unfortunate situation and we will have no further comment until we gather more information.”

Grant tested his ankle prior to Sunday’s game before coach Sean Payton decided to make him inactive to prevent further injury. Grant has reportedly been on the verge of returning for two weeks now.

Grant sat out the loss to the Rams, along with LB Scott Shanle (hamstring) and CB Usama Young (hamstring), but all are expected to return to practice this week. DT Brian Young (knee) expects to return in two weeks. The Saints need them all badly.