METAIRIE – The New Orleans Saints returned for practice on Friday, but were without a number of key defensive players in the process.
Here is the information from Friday’s injury report:
New Orleans Saints
Did Not Participate
- EDGE Anfernee Jennings (knee)
- LB Kaden Elliss (undisclosed)
- DL Davon Godchaux (NIR-rest)
- EDGE Carl Granderson (ankle)
- WR Trey Palmer (undisclosed)
Limited Participation
- WR Barion Brown (hamstring)
- TE Noah Fant (abdomen)
- DL Christen Miller (toe)
Full Participation
- S Julian Blackmon (calf)
Linebacker Pete Werner was again present, but observed.
Running back Travis Etienne Jr. was added to injured reserve on Thursday and was not present, and will miss at least the next four weeks of games for the team.
The Saints’ defensive front is in line to take a hit before taking on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4 on Monday Night Football.
Without Granderson and Jennings, the team may be looking to elevate second-year edge rusher Fadil Diggs to add to the defensive end rotation of Chase Young, Cameron Jordan and Tyree Wilson. Against Atlanta’s No. 2 ranked rushing attack, being down experienced contributors is less than ideal.
On the second level, the team could end up being without Elliss and Werner. Elliss hasn’t missed a game in three years as a starter with Atlanta. That streak is now officially in jeopardy with game designations coming after Saturday’s final practice of the week.
Linebackers Danny Stutsman, Isaiah Stalbird and Chris Rumph II could be in for a lot of action if Elliss and Werner are unavailable.
Atlanta Falcons
Did Not Participate
- T Jawaan Taylor (NIR-rest)
Limited Participation
- LB Kendal Daniels (Achilles)
- LB Divine Deablo (hamstring)
- DE Samson Ebukam (hamstring)
- DE Za’Darius Smith (NIR-rest)
For the most part, the Falcons are as healthy as they can be. But with cornerback A.J. Terrell and edge rusher Jalon Walker out with injuries as well as defensive end James Pearce Jr. suspended, the defense is inherently short-handed.
However, the Falcons, even without their top edge rushers, haven’t had much trouble generating pressure against the opponents. Atlanta currently ranks inside the top-three in defensive pressure rate generated.
