METAIRIE – The New Orleans Saints have ruled out three important defensive contributors ahead of their Monday Night Football matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. Another key player on the second level is also listed as questionable. Meanwhile, Atlanta appears healthy and ready to go.
Here is the information from the final injury report of the week, including game designations:
New Orleans Saints
Out
- EDGE Anfernee Jennings (knee)
- LB Kaden Elliss (undisclosed)
- EDGE Carl Granderson (ankle)
Questionable
- LB Pete Werner (shoulder)
- TE Noah Fant (abdomen)
No Designation (Good to Go):
- WR Barion Brown (hamstring)
- CB Martin Emerson Jr. (shoulder)
- S Julian Blackmon (calf)
- CB Jayden Price (ankle)
- DL Christen Miller (toe)
- TE Treyton Welch (NIR-personal)
- DL Davon Godchaux (NIR-rest)
- DL Nathan Shepherd (NIR-rest)
Without Elliss, the Saints may look to re-establish linebacker Isaiah Stalbird’s passing-down role from last season. Otherwise, linebacker Danny Stutsman now elevates into a pivotal opportunity. Many expect Stutsman to be the future of the linebacker position in New Orleans. This game, with running back Bijan Robinson and tight end Kyle Pitts on the way, will provide Stutsman an opportunity to make a statement in what could be an advanced role on defense whether or not Werner ends up playing.
New Orleans has had trouble finding consistent production from its pass rush outside of ascending star Chase Young, with veteran Cameron Jordan and recently-acquired Tyree Wilson now receiving more snaps, the Saints could learn some valuable lessons on Monday.
Fant will be one to watch with he and fellow tight end Juwan Johnson giving New Orleans outstanding play at tight end since the start of the season. Being without Fant could be a blow to the Saints’ passing offense and rushing offense with the variety of ways Fant impacts the game.
Atlanta Falcons
Questionable
- LB Yasir Abdullah (illness)
- DE Samson Ebukam (hamstring)
- LB Divine Deablo (hamstring)
No Designation (Good to Go):
- OL Jake Matthews (NIR-rest)
- LB Kendal Daniels (Achilles)
- DE Za’Darius Smith (NIR-rest)
- T Jawaan Taylor (NIR-rest)
The Falcons are mostly healthy, outside of the key defenders that they are already missing in Cornerback A.J. Terrell and edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.
Their second level may end up taking a hit on the defensive side with a pair of questionable linebackers. That could work in New Orleans’ favor if the Falcons end up shorthanded at the position.
