Saints begin Week 16 with lengthy absence list

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints were without several players on Wednesday as the team returned to the practice field. Preparing to host the New York Jets this weekend, a team depleted by both injury and trade deadline moves, New Orleans is starting to see their injury list grow after a healthy season relative to their typical luck.

The following players were not seen by reporters during the open portion of Wednesday’s practice:

• WR Devaughn Vele (shoulder)
• RB Devin Neal (hamstring)
• RB Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle)
• RG Cesar Ruiz (ankle)
• OL Asim Richards (ankle)
• DT Nathan Shepherd

The Saints offense could be without some key contributors this week. Vele has come along strongly over the last few weeks, reeling in 16 receptions for 202 receiving yards and a touchdown catch. Without him, wideout Kevin Austin Jr. stepped in during the final few drives of last week’s win over the Carolina Panthers. If Vele is unable to take the field this weekend, it would also mean a lot of the Jets’ secondary would likely focus on top wideout Chris Olave, making his job a bit more complicated.

With both Kamara and Neal missing practice, running backs Audric Estime and Evan Hull are likely to be thrust into the forefront. Quarterback Taysom Hill could be asked to contribute as well. 

It’s not all bad news for New Orleans. Safety Justin Reid and starting right tackle Taliese Fuaga were both participating. Fuaga made his return from injury last week against the Panthers. Meanwhile, Reid worked his way back to practice on both Thursday and Friday, but was inactive for the game. Reid could make his return this week.