After playing in the Saints’ Thanksgiving game, Deonte Harris stands to be sidelined for a while. The NFL handed the New Orleans wide receiver a three-game suspension Friday morning, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports.
Harris, 23, was arrested for DWI in July in Maryland. The NFL informed the 5-foot-6 receiver/return man of the ban before Thursday’s game, Rapoport adds, with an appeal process allowing him to suit up. Harris might be permitted to play against the Cowboys next week as well, but should his appeal fail, the young pass catcher will be out for three games.
This further depletes a Saints receiving corps that has been gutted this year. The team’s Emmanuel Sanders release preceded the Michael Thomas injury drama, which led to the All-Pro target being set to miss the entire season. Tre’Quan Smith also missed time due to injury, though he has since returned. This opened the door to Harris playing a bigger role on offense.
A former All-Pro return man, Harris is the Saints’ leading receiver. The third-year weapon has 27 receptions for 427 yards and two touchdowns — all career-high marks for a player who operated mostly as a returner for Saints teams deeper at wide receiver the past two years.
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