Saints kicker Wil Lutz out for season after setback in core surgery recovery

The Saints designated kicker Wil Lutz to return from injured reserve last week but this week’s news is not good for him or New Orleans.

Lutz announced Tuesday on social media that he will not kick in 2021 as a result of a setback in his recovery from core muscle surgery.

The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it! Congrats to Brian on his first game winner. New Orleans, you’re in good hands! pic.twitter.com/i68oqfVrRj

— Wil Lutz (@wil_lutz5) October 26, 2021

“2021 has been filled with adversity, personally, but with adversity comes an exciting challenge,” Lutz posted on Twitter. “Unfortunately I had a setback during the rehab process that has forced me to shift my focus to being 100 percent healthy for the long term and shut it down for the season. I want nothing more than to be out there with my teammates helping us win games, and I look forward to doing that when healthy! Thank you to the best fan base in the country for the support and well wishes, we’ll be back stronger than ever.”

When Lutz was not activated Monday night, rookie Brian Johnson made his NFL debut and nailed both field goal attempts in rainy and windy conditions including the game winner with two minutes remaining in a 13-10 Saints victory at Seattle.

Johnson is the third kicker the Saints have used this season through six games, following Aldrick Rosas and Cody Parkey.