Sheldon Rankins

Saints' Sheldon Rankins (I.R., leg) will practice Wednesday

New Orleans Saints rookie defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (leg, I.R.) will practice Wednesday.

What It Means:

Rankins isn't eligible to play until Week 9, but he's healthy after fracturing his fibula in August. All signs point to Rankins being New Orleans' designated-for-return player from injured reserve. Any help on defense will be a boost.

The Saints' defense is 30th in the NFL in schedule-adjusted Defensive Net Expected Points per play.