New Orleans Saints optimistic over Jimmy Graham injury

The New Orleans Saints are optimistic that tight end Jimmy Graham will be ready to return to action when they face the Buffalo Bills in week eight.

Graham limped out of the Saints' 30-27 defeat to the New England Patriots on Sunday, leaving the game in the fourth quarter before returning with his lower left leg heavily taped up.

However, the return was brief and the 26-year-old soon left the game for good, watching from the sidelines as Patriots quarterback Tom Brady threw a match-winning touchdown pass with just five seconds remaining.

Graham's injury is still being evaluated by the Saints, but they are hoping that their bye this week will give him enough time to recover before their next match.

The 2011 Pro Bowler, who finished Sunday's match without a catch for the first time since his rookie year of 2010, currently leads the NFL in receiving yards with 593 and has scored six touchdowns this season, more than any other Saints player.