Saints vs. Falcons Injury Report: Olave Out, OL Trending Up

By Ross Jackson

In the midst of seeing their longest practice participation report of the last season come together, the New Orleans Saints got a blend of optimism and concern on Thursday as they continue to prepare for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons, the 2025 season finale.

Here is the information from Thursday’s injury report

New Orleans Saints

Did Not Participate

DT Bryan Bresee (knee)

CB Michael Davis (shoulder)

RB Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle)

TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden (ankle)

WR Chris Olave (illness)

QB Spencer Rattler (right finger)

DT Nathan Shepherd (ankle/knee)

TE Jack Stoll (knee)

WR Mason Tipton (groin)

DT Davon Godchaux (NIR-rest)

Limited Participation

LB Demario Davis (calf)

G Dillon Radunz (knee)

Full Participation

QB Tyler Shough (hip)

G Cesar Ruiz (ankle)

The biggest news of the day was reported before practice began when NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill reported that Olave will be out for the weekend after a blood clot was found in the wide receiver’s lung. While he is expected to miss this weekend’s game, though head coach Kellen Moore left options open, the situation is not expected to have a long-term impact at this time.

On the optimistic side, the Saints saw two offensive linemen, Radunz and Ruiz upgraded on the injury report as they manage knee and ankle ailments respectively.

With Rattler having now missed two days of practice with a right finger injury, it will be interesting to see how the Saints navigate their backup quarterback situation. Should Rattler be at least limited on Friday, he may be okay to be active for an emergency option with quarterback Taysom Hill being the immediate backup. Otherwise, New Orleans could potentially elevate third-year passer Jake Haener to either the active or game day roster for additional insurance. 

Several roster moves appear to be likely over the next 72 hours as the Saints navigate numerous injuries to wrap up the season.

Atlanta Falcons

Did Not Participation

DL Brandon Dorlus (hamstring)

CB Mike Hughes (ankle)

CB Clark Phillips III (triceps/illness)

Limited Participation

S DeMarrco Hellams (hamstring)

WR Drake London (knee)

TE Kyle Pitts Sr. (knee)

DL Sam Roberts (knee/ankle)

WR Darnell Mooney (knee)

No big changes for the Falcons, making the injuries to London and Pitts a bit more consequential. However, either or both could be upgraded on Friday’s report to provide some piece of mind for Atlanta.

Speedy wideout Mooney was also added to the injury report on Thursday with a knee injury. Mooney is seemingly always good for a big play against New Orleans whether as a Falcon, Chicago Bear or Los Angeles Charger. His name will be one to watch. He scored a touchdown on a 49-yard deep ball the last time these two teams met in Week 12.