METAIRIE – As the New Orleans Saints returned to the practice field ahead of their Week 4 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, they did so without a number of key players on both sides of the ball, one of which will be out for at least the next four weeks.
Here are the players that were not seen during Thursday’s practice, the first of the week:
- RB Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring)
- EDGE Anfernee Jennings (knee)
- LB Kaden Elliss (undisclosed)
- EDGE Carl Granderson (ankle)
- WR Trey Palmer (undisclosed)
Linebacker Pete Werner was present and observed practice and two new players, edge rusher David Ojabo (No. 56) and running back Ulyssess Bentley IV (No. 24) were practicing with the team after tryouts earlier in the week.
After practice, head coach Kellen Moore updated that Etienne will be headed to injured reserve. That means that he will be out for at least the next four weeks. With him sidelined, the Saints will turn to veteran backs Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller along with undrafted rookie C.J. Donaldson.
The Saints also have Zamir White on the practice squad and recently-signed running back Bentley, who the team added to bolster depth, as additional options.
Etienne was beginning to catch on in the Saints’ offense, averaging 4.4 rushing yards per attempt against the Las Vegas Raiders last week, and was getting more involved in the passing game. While he’s out, the Saints will look to continue to revive their rushing attack, allowing him to bolster it upon his return.
To fill the newly-opened roster spot, the Saints added wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. to the active roster.
Meanwhile, the defensive front is starting the week short-handed. Jennings and Granderson suffered injuries during the Raiders’ game, though Granderson did return for all but the final defensive series. He stood on the sideline with his helmet on during the series.
The absence of Elliss is daunting, especially with Werner also observing off to the side throughout practice.
Additionally, the Saints did see two rookies return to practice: Wide receiver Barion Brown and defensive lineman Christen Miller. Brown is returning from a week-long absence with a hamstring injury and Miller is returning from a toe injury.
Both players could play pivotal roles in Monday’s game against Atlanta. The Saints run defense can benefit from Miller’s stout presence against the running game, while the Falcons’ special teams unit is surrendering the fifth-most punt return yards per punt this season at 15.5.
