By Ross Jackson
The health concerns continue to pile on in what has simply been a week of bad luck for the New Orleans Saints. After sending center Erik McCoy to Injured Reserve earlier this week, the team also was not able to field starting right guard Cesar Ruiz who has been managing a knee injury all well. As if that wasn’t enough, three of the Saints’ wide receivers were injured during practices as well.
New Orleans is traveling to take on their division rivals the Atlanta Falcons while the roster is far too beat up for comfort. Though the Falcons are dealing with injuries on their offensive line that could be costly. The Saints have more question marks. Early momentum through two weeks is churning toward a halt.
New Orleans Saints
Out:
WR A.T. Perry (Hamstring)
RG Cesar Ruiz (Knee)
LB Demario Davis (Hamstring)
Questionable:
WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Ankle)
WR Chris Olave (Hamstring)
RB Alvin Kamara (Hip/Ribs)
No Game Designation (Good To Go):
CB Alontae Taylor (Illness)
QB Derek Carr (Left Groin)
TE Taysom Hill (Chest)
DT Khalen Saunders (Calf)
LB D’Marco Jackson (Calf)
OL Landon Young (Foot)
Perry, Wilson Jr. and Olave going down on separate days of practice is a bitter pill to swallow. With the team already down multiple offensive linemen and the potential struggle that could create for the run game, potentially losing your primary pass-catching option in Olave looms large.
Sources have told LouisianaSports.Net that Perry was planned to be inactive on Sunday against the Falcons, but that could have changed with more injury concerns at the position. It seems likely that Equanimeous St. Brown could be called up from the practice squad to help the depth and blocking contributions at the position in addition to giving the team another big-bodied pass-catching option.
With Davis out, expect linebacker Pete Werner to handle his responsibilities quarterbacking the defense while Willie Gay Jr. steps into Werner’s role. The two are suited well for the adjustments, but anytime a team loses a cornerstone like Davis, the absence will be felt. Expect linebacker D’Marco Jackson to be active and contributing alongside Anfernee Orji.
On the bright side, New Orleans looks to be getting an important boost back in Saunders who has no game designation this week. He looks to be on his way to making his 2024 season debut in Atlanta.
Atlanta Falcons
Out:
OT Kaleb McGary (Knee)
No Game Designation (Good To Go):
RB Bijan Robinson (Shoulder)
LB Matthew Judon (Hamstring)
DL Ta’Quon Graham (Rest)
DL David Onyemata (Rest)
DL Grady Jarrett (Rest)
The Falcons will also be without a pair of important pieces on their offensive line. McGary will be replaced at right tackle by former Saints lineman Storm Norton. Atlanta will also be without starting center Draw Dalman, who was moved to Injured Reserve for a high-ankle sprain.
