The New Orleans Saints and Las Vegas Raiders have released their first injury report of the week with both teams navigating some potentially costly injuries for key plays. The Raiders may also be on the way to welcoming one of their biggest, and best offensive weapons, back just in time for their Week 3 visit to the Caesars Superdome.
Here is the information from Wednesday’s practice report:
New Orleans Saints
Did Not Participate
- WR Barion Brown (hamstring)
- CB Martin Emerson Jr. (shoulder)
- DL Christen Miller (toe)
Limited
- RB Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring)
- S Jonas Sanker (knee)
- DL Nathan Shepherd (hip)
- EDGE Chase Young (calf)
Full Participation
- LB Isaiah Stalbird (shoulder)
The biggest piece of news to watch will be around Etienne. The Saints signed him to a four-year, $48 million contract this offseason, but he’s only gotten 17 carries for 71 rushing yards so far this season. He also has nine receptions for 38 receiving yards. Now, should this injury limit him enough, Week 3 may continue a curious return for the native of Jennings to his home state.
Another one to watch will be Sanker. Playing the team’s STAR/slot role, this game could be an important one for him to be ready. The Raiders could be welcoming back tight end Brock Bowers and Sanker is likely to find his way into that matchup on multiple occasions.
Las Vegas Raiders
Did Not Participate
- QB Aidan O’Connell (NIR-personal)
- S Treydan Stukes (concussion)
Limited
- TE Brock Bowers (knee)
- LB Nakobe Dean (shoulder)
- DT Flororunso Fatukasi (shoulder)
- CB Darien Porter (foot)
- WR Dareke Young (hamstring)
Full Participation
- LB Segun Olubi (knee)
- DT JJ Pegues (back)
The potential return of Bowers is a huge story to follow. The big target will be a major threat in the passing game for the Saints’ defense. Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak relies on tight ends in his system, and quarterback Kirk Cousins loves a sizable target that enable him to get the ball out quickly.
On top of the inherent threat that Bowers presents, the mystery of how he’ll be utilized in Kubiak’s offense adds another layer of complexity.
Defensively, Stukes will be a big one to watch. The second-round rookie out of Arizona is a playmaking, hard-hitting and versatile safety. If he’s not on the field, the Saints could see some opportunities open downfield if they can buy time for deep rout concepts to develop and for quarterback Tyler Shough to get the ball out.
