By Ross Jackson
It’s another lengthy injury report for the New Orleans Saints as they head into their Week 5 Monday night game against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, despite the long list, there aren’t many surprises but there are some key losses and key returns for the Saints, including safety Tyrann Mathieu nor linebacker Demario Davis.
Here is the injury information from the first injury report of the week for the Saints and Chiefs:
New Orleans Saints
Did Not Participate:
LB Willie Gay Jr. (Hand)
TE Taysom Hill (Rib)
K Blake Grupe (Right Hip)
OL Cesar Ruiz (Knee)
OL Shane Lemieux (Ankle)
DE Payton Turner (Knee)
Limited Participation:
RB Kendre Miller (Hamstring)
RB Alvin Kamara (Hip/Ribs)
LB Demario Davis (Hamstring)
OL Taliese Fuaga (Back)
TE Juwan Johnson (Forearm(
DT Bryan Bresee (Ankle)
Full Participation:
WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Ankle)
WR Chris Olave (Hamstring)
Most of the absences here were expected, but one that becomes pretty important in a big way is the absence of Grupe. The team can, thanks to the NFL’s shift in how the International Player Exemption is handled, elevate and utilize kicker Charlie Smyth this week if needed. Smyth drilled his first professional kick during the preseason, a 37-yard game-winner against the Arizona Cardinals. His services could be called upon again if things don’t improve in time for Grupe.
It is a good sign to not see Mathieu listed and to see the return of Davis to the field. Both were managing injuries last week. Davis missed the game against the Atlanta Falcons last week while Mathieu exited early. Having both of them available Monday night would be a huge boost for the defense to deal with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes on the other side of the ball.
Kansas City Chiefs
Limited Participation:
WR Mecole Hardman (Knee)
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Illness)
RB Kareem Hunt (Shoulder)
DE Mike Danna (Calf)
Full Participation:
LB Nick Bolton (Hamstring)
DT Derrick Nnadi (Triceps)
In other injury news for the Chiefs, the team placed starting wide receiver Rashee Rice on Injured Reserve following what has been presumed to be severe leg injury. However, he is pursuing a second opinion. That may just end up dictating the need for surgery and other more procedural details.
