METAIRIE, LOU. – The best health outlook the New Orleans Saints have had all season comes right on time. The Saints are looking to avoid extending their five-game losing streak on a challenging road trip to take on the Los Angeles Chargers. New Orleans will be in much better shape on both sides of the ball this weekend than they have been in many weeks with only two players ruled out.
New Orleans Saints
Out:
WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Hip)
G Nick Saldiveri (Shoulder)
Doubtful:
QB Derek Carr (Oblique)
No Designation (Good To Go):
TE Taysom Hill (Rib)
WR Chris Olave (Concussion)
QB Spencer Rattler (Hip)
LB Pete Werner (Hamstring)
CB Marshon Lattimore (Hamstring)
RB Alvin Kamara (Rib)
DT Khalen Saunders (Back)
G Cesar Ruiz (Knee)
C Connor McGovern (Back)
C/G Lucas Patrick (Chest)
TE Juwan Johnson (Shoulder)
The loss of Wilson Jr. could be challenging for New Orleans, but it comes at a time when they get their top wideout, Chris Olave, back. Olave cleared concussion protocol according to head coach Dennis Allen. The Saints will also have newly-signed receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who practiced all week and should be involved throughout the game.
New Orleans gets a massive boost with the return of its starting guards Patrick and Ruiz. Those returns should have positive impacts on both rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler and the team’s run game, which will return a weapon of its own.
Running back Alvin Kamara will have his power rushing partner Taysom Hill back for the first time since he scored a pair of touchdowns against the Atlanta Falcons. Hill’s ability to add another element of the run game along with second-year back Kendre Miller and veteran back Jamaal Williams will be a welcome counter-punch to Kamara’s threat on the outside.
Los Angeles Chargers
Doubtful:
WR Derius Davis (Hamstring)
WR Quenton Johnston (Ankle)
Questionable:
TE Will Dissly (Shoulder)
WR Ladd McConkey (Hip)
LB Denzel Perryman (Toe)
OLB Joey Bosa (Hip)
WR DJ Chark (Groin)
TE Hayden Hurst (Groin)
No Designation (Good To Go):
OLB Khalil Mack (Rest)
CB Kristian Fulton (Hamstring)
DB Ja’Sir Taylor (Fibula)
Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa may be listed as questionable, but it sounds like he intends to play on Sunday. The Chargers looks like they may be light at wide receiver. In order for Johnston and Davis to be eligible to play on Sunday, they will need to be upgraded before the game from the “Doubtful” designation.
