The New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns have released their updated injury report ahead of their matchup Sunday in New Orleans. The report comes with some promising steps forward for two key offensive contributors for the Saints, but a concerning downgrade for the Browns.
Here is the information from Thursday’s Browns at Saints practice report.
New Orleans Saints
Did Not Participate
- RB C.J. Donaldson (shoulder, concussion)
- DT Davon Godchaux (NIR-resting player)
Limited Participation
- T Kelvin Banks (ankle)
- CB Martin Emerson (shin)
- RB Alvin Kamara (back)
- T Asim Richards (thumb)
- WR Jordyn Tyson (hamstring)
Full Participation
- RG Cesar Ruiz (knee)
There were two players removed from Thursday’s injury report after being listed on Wednesday: safety Justin Reid (concussion protocol) and defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd (illness). Each of the defenders now appear on track to be available for the team on Sunday.
All eyes continue to be on Banks and Tyson, who could each make their way to the field sooner rather than later. While this might not be the week, Banks is inching closer to his return and Tyson moves closer to his debut. If both players do return immediately, they are in line to make consideration contributions upon being available.
One downgrade to watch for New Orleans would be Donaldson. The Saints were not able to get running back Travis Etienne Jr. back on the field, but did bring back Audric Estime earlier in the week after claiming him off of waivers. He may immediately be asked to step in if Donaldson isn’t able to join fellow running backs Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller as he battles a combined shoulder injury and concussion designation.
It appears the Saints’ offensive line could get Ruiz back after just one week of absence. If he and Banks were to both return this week, the Saints would have their offensive line at full strength for the first time since Week 2 of the season.
Cleveland Browns
Did Not Participate
- DT Maliek Collins (elbow)
- QB Deshaun Watson (concussion)
Limited Participation
- T Austin Barber (calf)
- WR Denzel Boston (calf)
- TE Harold Fannin (groin)
- S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (hip)
- LB Carson Schwesinger (wrist, ankle)
- LB Quincy Williams (hamstring)
Full Participation
- CB Myles Harden (hamstring)
- C Elgton Jenkins (knee)
- DE Jared Verse (knee)
For the Browns, the three players to keep an eye on are Watson, Collins and Fannin. With Watson trending toward not being available, the storyline writes itself with Saints quarterback Tyler Shough now set to face fellow 2025 draft classmate Shedeur Sanders instead.
With Collins also headed toward at best a questionable tag, that could make a big difference for Shough with Collins tied for second on the team with 3.5 sacks on the season. The Browns have 22 total sacks this year with 12 coming from the team’s top interior players.
Meanwhile, a late addition to the injury report, Fannin would be a mismatch nightmare for the Saints to get ready to take on. A groin injury sidelined Fannin during his rookie season and lingered into the offseason and training camp. His mid-week downgrade should be concerning for Cleveland. He’ll be an important name to watch on Friday’s report.
