METAIRIE – The New Orleans Saints have ruled out three players going into their clash with the Minnesota Vikings. As expected, however, the team will have its top pass-catching option, wide receiver Chris Olave, ready to go for Sunday despite an uncomfortable hit at the end of last week’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Here is the injury information, including game designations, from the final Week 5 practice report:
New Orleans Saints
Out
- EDGE Anfernee Jennings (knee)
- LB Kaden Elliss (calf)
- OL Jeremiah Wright (concussion)
Questionable
- WR Barion Brown (thigh)
- S Julian Blackmon (shoulder)
- S Lorenzo Styles Jr. (calf)
- RB Alvin Kamara (back)
- DT Christen Miller (illness)
- LB Jaylan Ford (ankle)
No Designation (Good to Go)
- QB Tyler Shough (left hand)
- WR Chris Olave (NIR-rest, foot)
- CB Jayden Price (NIR-personal matter)
- CB Mike Reid (ankle)
- TE Noah Fant (abdomen)
- DL Davon Godchaux (Groin, NIR-rest)
- EDGE Carl Granderson (ankle)
The Saints’ offense should be at near full strength, save the injuries to players on injured reserve, assuming Kamara ends up being good to go by game time. He was limited in the Saints two full practices and did not participate in Wednesday’s walkthrough.
Olave returned to full participation on Friday after being deemed without participation on Wednesday and was limited on Thursday. Olave said after practice that he felt fine during a stellar start to the season.
“It was a late game Monday night,” Olave said. “Of course, I took a little hit, but we were playing from behind most of the game, so my legs were kind of sore. They just gave me a rest day, and it was a walkthrough too, so it was easy for them.”
The Saints will again be without defensive contributors, starting linebacker Elliss and rotational run-stopping edge rusher Jennings. That will likely lead to larger roles again for linebacker Danny Stutsman and edge rusher Tyree Wilson.
Stutsman had an up-and-down game that defensive coordinator Brandon Staley said had some definite learning lessons for the second-year player.
Minnesota Vikings
Out
- CB Chuck Demmings (hamstring)
- T Christian Darrisaw (concussion)
Questionable
- WR Jordan Addison (hamstring)
- WR Justin Jefferson (ankle)
- T Brian O’Neill (knee)
- C Michael Jurgens (elbow)
- TE Ben Yurosek (ankle)
No Designation (Good to Go)
- RB Aaron Jones Jr. (NIR-rest)
- S Harrison Smith (NIR-rest)
The Vikings will have at least two backups on their offensive line at left tackle and left guard. That could open up a big game for the Saints’ top edge rusher Chase Young. However, Minnesota may also be down an additional tackle if O’Neill isn’t able to go. That’ll be a key designation to watch going into the matchup.
Jefferson is expected to hit the field after being held out last week, but Addison will be another big name to keep an eye on leading up to gametime. The Vikings signed veteran wide receiver and New Orleans native Odell Beckham Jr. He’s expected to be elevated, but will likely only dress out if Addison isn’t able to return from his hamstring injury.
