By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS, La. – Although the New Orleans Saints began the season as one of the healthiest teams in the NFL, some injuries in recent weeks have begun to pick up.
The latest may cost them yet another running back.
Rookie back Devin Neal was evaluated in the tent briefly after he scored his second career touchdown, putting the Saints on the board for the first time in their game against the Carolina Panthers. After he was seen, he was taken back to the locker room just ahead of the first half’s two-minute warning.
#Saints RB Devin Neal (hamstring) questionable to return.
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) December 14, 2025
Update, Dec. 14 4;55 p.m. CT: Neal has been ruled out for the remainder of the game.
The team provided an update that the back is dealing with a hamstring injury and is questionable to return.
Neal missed much of the final weeks of training camp with a hamstring injury headed into the preseason.
The sixth-round pick carried the ball seven times for 28 yards (four per carry) and scored a touchdown in the team’s third offensive drive. He also reeled in a catch for four yards.
With Neal unable to return to action after halftime, the rushing attack will be led by a pair of second-year backs and relatively new additions to the New Orleans roster. Running backs Evan Hull and Audric Estime will be charged with leading the way. It’s likely that quarterback Taysom Hill would be involved as well.
