The New Orleans Saints are set to be at their healthiest as a team since the beginning of the 2026 NFL season when they host the Cleveland Browns.
At 2-5, the Saints’ season hasn’t started off the way the team had hoped, but at only one game behind first place in the NFC South, the club is hoping for a turnaround following the Week 8 bye.
In their pursuit to right the ship, health could play a major factor and fortunate for them, the trend there has turned upward at exactly the right time.
New Orleans Saints
In: WR Jordyn Tyson
In the biggest story coming out of the bye week, rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson not only returned to the practice field but is set to make his NFL debut against the Browns (5-3). It’s unclear, for now, how much he’ll be involved in his first ever NFL action. But anytime that he is on the field, he’s sure to draw attentio, opening up opportunities for other players around him like fellow wideout Chris Olave.
In: LT Kelvin Banks Jr.
In an even bigger return, in stature at least, is the activation of starting left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. Similar to Tyson, it still remains to be seen just how involved Banks will be. He could start again for the first time since his Week 2 ankle injury, or he could just be an emergency option. But if he starts, the Saints’ full starting offensive line will be black together with right guard Cesar Ruiz also set to return.
In: RB Audric Estime
The last time that Audric Estime was with the Saints, he was on injured reserve. After reaching an injury settlement with his back, he ended up finding roles with the Minnesota Vikings and Browns. Now, his next experience with New Orleans will be as a part of the team’s core contributors to the run game after the surprising release of 2023 third-round back Kendre Miller.
Cleveland Browns
In: QB Shedeur Sanders
Even though quarterback Deshaun Watson has cleared concussion protocol the day before the game, the Browns are set to name him as an inactive player before the matchup. That means second-year passer Shedeur Sanders is next up. Between the 2025 NFL draft storyline and Sanders’ snide response to a question about the Saints’ defense, which LouisianaSports.Net can confirm has made its rounds at the team facility.
In: TE Harold Fannin Jr.
Despite a groin injury during the week, the Browns’ leading receiver I will be ready to go for game time. Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has accounted for 411 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns through the season while the Saints have given up the eighth-most yards to the position (483) so far this year.
Out: DT Maliek Collins
Cleveland’s interior defensive front has been outstanding to start the year and defensive tackle Maliek Collins is among the best on that unit. His 3.5 sacks are tied for second on the team. With him not available due to an elbow injury, the job of the Saints’ interior offensive line lightens up, though only marginally, with Mason Graham and Adin Huntington still to contend with.
