The New Orleans Saints have lost their best wide receiver Marques Colston for 4-6 weeks after having surgery on his left thumb to repair a torn ligament.

“It’s tough, especially when you lose a guy as productive as him,” QB Drew Brees said after practice. “But there’s always an opportunity for a younger guy to step up or guys that might not get as much playing time ordinarily to step up and contribute even more. I’m confident with all our guys. However we piece it together, whoever is on the field knows what to do and they know they’ll get their opportunities.”

This is a huge blow to the Saints offense and without Colston they won’t be anywhere near as explosive as they are with him.

Without Colston the Saints starting receivers will be David Patten and Devery Henderson and neither of them are any good. In passing situations Brees will now have to rely on tight end Jeremy Shockey and running back Reggie Bush.

Things could get pretty ugly for the Saints until Colston is ready to return.