Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
By Ross Jackson
After the bye week, the New Orleans Saints appeared to be quite healthy at practice on Wednesday and the injury report confirms it. On the other hand, the banged up Atlanta Falcons are looking worse for wear.
Here is the information from Wednesday’s injury report.
New Orleans Saints
Did Not Participate
- WR Brandin Cooks (NIR-personal) – was released before practice.
- T Taliese Fuaga (ankle)
Limited Participation
- RB Alvin Kamara (ankle)
Full Participation
- WR Chris Olave (ankle)
- TE Jack Stoll (ankle)
- T Barry Wesley (hip)
Technically, there were two DNPs on Wednesday, but one, Cooks, was already released before practice began. Without him, Fuaga remained the only missing player as he is still recovering from the ankle injury he suffered against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9.
Wesley is continuing to work his way back from Injured Reserve, where he was placed as the season began at roster cuts.
Atlanta Falcons
Did Not Participate
- DT Zach Harrison (knee)
- G Chris Lindstrom (foot)
- WR Drake London (knee)
- QB Michael Penix (knee)
- S Xavier Watts (illness)
- LB Josh Woods (hamstring)
Limited Participation
- CB Dee Alford (concussion)
- S Jessie Bates (NIR – rest)
- G Matthew Bergeron (ankle)
- CB Billy Bowman (NIR – rest)
- LB Divine Deablo (forearm)
- DT Brandon Dorlus (oblique)
- LB Leonard Floyd (hamstring)
- CB A.J. Terrell (NIR – rest)
- LB Malik Verdon (shoulder)
- LB Jalon Walker (NIR – rest)
Full Participation
- CB Mike Hughes (neck)
With London and Penix already expected to miss, perhaps the most important injury in Atlanta for Saints fans to watch is Deablo. The linebacker is eyeing a return from injury and could be a big piece of the puzzle for the Falcons’ defense. He can contribute as a pass rusher or in coverage as a spy or lurking over the middle of the field. His versatility could make defensive pictures a bit murky for the Saints’ offense and rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. Deablo will be worth tracking throughout the week.
