Injuries are an unfortunate reality that occurs in the NFL, and the New Orleans Saints experienced that with one of their top players last season.

Cornerback Marshon Lattimore earned three consecutive Pro Bowl nods before the 2022 campaign. A lacerated kidney derailed that possibility and Lattimore would only play in seven games. 

The toughest hill to climb when getting over an injury is the mental aspect, the physical takes care of itself. Saints head coach Dennis Allen thinks Lattimore has overcome that obstacle and sees a big year ahead for him. 

"The first thing I'd say is, I think his mind is in the right spot," Allen said. "I think he's competing at a very high level. I think he's worked extremely hard on his fundamentals and technique, and I think he's gotten better throughout camp.

"Based on what I'm seeing right now, I fully expect that we're going to see the type of player that we've had here in the past and that's encouraging for me as a play caller, you know, because it allows us to do a lot of different things. I've said before how valuable he is to our team and to our defense. I like where he's at right now."

Lattimore never had less than 52 tackles or 11 pass breakups in any of his first five seasons. So, if what Allen says is true, Lattimore could be looking at his fifth Pro Bowl honor in 2023.

The Saints have a plethora of weapons at wide receiver in Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, and rookie A.T. Perry that can play in multiple spots. With Lattimore's diversity to play inside and outside, he getting valuable reps in practice that will keep building his confidence to have a bounce-back year, not that he lacks it or anything.

The battle between #Saints Michael Thomas and Marshon Lattimore wages on with another pass defensed by 23 on a quick in.

— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) July 28, 2023

Dennis Allen said Marshon Lattimore has had a really good start to camp. He said if he keeps practicing like this, he’ll be playing at the level they expect to see and are used to seeing.

— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) July 31, 2023

New Orleans finished fifth in total defense last season without Lattimore playing a lot, so the sky's the limit for what they could be as long as he remains healthy. 

Saints’ Marshon Lattimore gets endorsed by interception king

Teammates for life.

Feature image via Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports