New Orleans Saints Coach Denies Claims of Malicious Intent Toward Justin Herbert

Monday, October 28th, 2024

The head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Dennis Allen, has rejected claims that Nathan Shepherd deliberately hurt Justin Herbert during the game on Sunday. Shepherd was penalized for unnecessary roughness, along with Bradley Bozeman, after Shepherd pulled Herbert down by the ankle while he was already on the ground.

Allen supported Shepherd's actions by explaining that there was no malice involved and that Shepherd was merely trying to complete the play. Conversely, Bozeman explained that his actions were aimed at protecting Herbert, who has been dealing with an ankle injury since the second week of the season.

Khalen Saunders, a teammate of Shepherd, also stood by him against accusations from former NFL analyst Emmanuel Acho, who asserted that Shepherd had tried to injure Herbert intentionally.

Amid the disagreement, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh awarded Bozeman a game ball for what he did on the field. Herbert also commended Bozeman for his dedication and effort to safeguard his quarterback.

This marks the second instance this season where a Saints defensive lineman faced allegations of unsportsmanlike play. Khristian Boyd was fined earlier for striking DeVonta Smith in the helmet area, which resulted in Smith entering the concussion protocol.

The Saints are currently on a six-game losing streak and are gearing up for their next match without starting quarterback Derek Carr, who is anticipated to resume practice on Wednesday.

Additional injuries affecting the team include Bub Means with a high ankle sprain, alongside Marshon Lattimore and Kendre Miller, who are both dealing with hamstring injuries.

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