Harty, who signed as a free agent with the Bills on Wednesday, says the toe injury that limited him to just four games in 2022 has fully healed.
"I was cleared a while ago," Harty said after his signing. "I'm back to doing everything. I'm back to feeling like my normal self. So, I'm good to go."
What it means:
The former Saint is set to serve as a depth receiver and return man for the Bills in 2023. Buffalo is fairly crowded on offense, but Harty likely received a boost in status Friday when the Bills cut Isaiah McKenzie, a player with a similar skill set.
Harty (foot) and the Bills reached an agreement on a two-year deal Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
What it means:
Harty will head to Buffalo after he spent the first four years of his career with the Saints. The wide receiver and return specialist appeared in four games last season before being placed on injured reserve for the remainder of the year with a foot injury. In the four contests he did appear in, Harty recorded two catches for 13 yards while compiling 137 kick-return yards. The 5-foot-6 athlete is unlikely to have much of an offensive impact with the Bills, but he could certainly carve out a significant role on special teams in 2023.
The Saints placed Harty (foot) on injured reserve Saturday.
What it means:
The fourth-year receiver typically hasn't been a major part of the Saints' offensive game plan during his time in the NFL, but his absence for at least Sunday's matchup with the Bengals will loom larger than normal with each of New Orleans' top three receivers -- Michael Thomas (foot), Chris Olave (concussion) and Jarvis Landry (ankle) either ruled out for the contest or considered unlikely to play. Harty, who had recorded two receptions for 13 yards while also handling return duties in four of the Saints' first five games, won't be eligible to come off IR until the team's Week 10 matchup with the Steelers on Nov. 13.
Harty (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bengals, Luke Johnson of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.
What it means:
Harty's foot injury robs him of the chance to take advantage of both Michael Thomas (foot) and Jarvis Landry (ankle) being out of the lineup. It's a tough situation for the Saints, especially with another game coming up Thursday against Arizona.
Harty (foot) was a non-participant at practice Thursday, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.
What it means:
Harty's inability to practice so far this week does not bode well for his status come Sunday against the Bengals. Considering the initial report of his turf toe injury by Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football claimed he was expected to miss time, and there was fear of significant injury, Harty being unable to play Week 6 wouldn't come as a surprise.
Harty (foot) did not participate during the Saints' practice Wednesday.
What it means:
Harty is expected to miss some time after suffering what is feared to be a significant turf toe injury during Sunday's win over the Seahawks. The 25-year-old has served as New Orleans' primary returner for both punts and kickoffs when healthy this season, so his likely absence should lead to more special-teams usage for fellow wideout Marquez Callaway.
