As the minutes tick by until the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons square off in a massive Monday Night Football Week 4 matchup, one injury designation looms large.
Linebacker Pete Werner is questionable going into Monday’s game for a Saints defense that will already be without second-level playmaker Kaden Elliss. In a game where limiting the rushing attack will prove vital, having Werner on the field would be a major boon for the unit.
Werner suffered a shoulder injury during the Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders and did not participate in practice all week. While he did not get involved with any drills, he was seen observing each day of the team’s three practices.
Now in his sixth year with the team, and second year with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s system, Werner is the type of experienced player that could still take the field without having practiced. That makes the questionable designation such an important and intriguing one going into the game.
If Werner is ruled out, the Saints will be relying on 2025 fourth-round draft pick Danny Stutsman to lead the position.
Stutsman’s rookie season was outstanding despite being a rotational role, making the possibility of him stepping into a larger set of responsibilities against Atlanta comfortable.
The question marks at the position will come down to which linebacker stands beside Stutsman if Werner can’t go.
Veteran defensive-end-turned-linebacker Chris Rumph II hasn’t had a ton of game exposure at the off-ball linebacker position since making his position switch and managing injuries over the course of training camp. Fourth-year linebacker Isaiah Stalbird found most of his success in a third-down rotational role last year.
Both provide promise at the position, but will also be faced with a sizable test having to slow down the rushing attack of Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.
Werner’s final game designation will be a key element to follow.
With Werner, the Saints have a player that’s shown a lot of improvement in his new role this season, but also a player that hasn’t practiced all week.
Without Werner, the Saints will rely on some experienced, but rotational players to step into larger roles.
Having Werner available would likely be ideal, but with the possibility of limitations, Rumph and Stalbird will need to be ready to step in as the next men up.
