Saints WR Chris Hogan retires after 5 games in black and gold
Chris Hogan was a surprising player to make the New Orleans Saints’ opening day roster, and now his career has taken another unexpected turn. The veteran wide receiver chose to retire from the NFL this week, which the team made official on Saturday by designating him to the reserve/retired list.
Hogan, who turns 34 on Sunday, appeared in five games with New Orleans, totaling 68 snaps on offense and 25 snaps on special teams. He caught 4 of the 8 passes thrown his way to gain 41 receiving yards and score a touchdown reception. Before the Saints convinced him to leave his professional lacrosse team and join them for training camp, Hogan spent nine years in the NFL, mostly with the New England Patriots (49 games in three years) and Buffalo Bills (48 games in four years), winning two Super Bowl rings with the Patriots.
NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill reported that Hogan was away from the team this week to be with his pregnant wife, having informed the team of his decision earlier in the week before taking a few days to make sure this was what he wanted. Now he’ll have an opportunity to return to playing lacrosse or fully commit to hanging up his cleats. Either way, he’s walking away from the NFL at this time on his own terms. He’s also the third Saints player to retire this season including defensive tackle Ryan Glasgow and cornerback Patrick Robinson.
To be frank, Hogan probably wasn’t going to hang around with the Saints much longer. Tre’Quan Smith was designated to return from injured reserve this week and his addition would push either Hogan or Lil’Jordan Humphrey off the 53-man roster. Michael Thomas is also working his way back from the physically unable to perform list.
With Deonte Harris ruled out for Week 7’s game with the Seattle Seahawks due to a hamstring injury and Smith not yet formally activated from injured reserve, Hogan’s retirement leaves New Orleans with four receivers available for Monday night: Marquez Callaway, Ty Montgomery, Kenny Stills, and Humphrey, with three more on the practice squad in Kawaan Baker, Easop Winston Jr., and Kevin White.
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