Saints Activate Sheldon Rankins From PUP But Have No Timetable for His Return

New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins suffered what could be a career-threatening injury during the divisional round of the playoffs against the Philadelphia Eagles when he tore his Achilles.

On his way back from the debilitating injury, the Saints activated their budding star defensive lineman from the PUP list, but haven't provided a timetable on when they can expect him back.

Roundup: Saints DT Sheldon Rankins activated from PUP list; no timetable for his returnhttps://t.co/tixAasVc8e pic.twitter.com/LR1nyfibqJ
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) August 26, 2019

Selected 12th overall in the 2016 NFL draft out of Louisville, Rankins finally started living up to the potential his dominant college tape showed. During a career-best season, Rankins picked up 40 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and eight sacks in 2018.

Rankins was back at practice today, and while he said that it feels good to be back, he himself remains unsure when he will be able to get back on the field.

Sheldon Rankins said it’s surreal to be back at practice today. “When I’m ready, I’ll be ready,” Rankins said. pic.twitter.com/lhLs0pdnT6
— Herbie Teope (@HerbieTeope) August 26, 2019

Part of the reason that Dennis Allen's defense was able to go from a laughingstock to a potent unit was Rankins getting consistent pressure up the middle. The sooner the explosive defensive tackle gets back on the field in New Orleans, the better.

Well, better unless you're an NFC South quarterback.