Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
LOS ANGELES — Despite having only two running backs on their active roster, the New Orleans Saints express confidence in the tandem by elevating only one defensive player for their Week 9 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Saints will elevate linebacker Eku Leota for Sunday. This will be the pass rusher’s third and final standard elevation of the season.
The #Saints are elevating DE Eku Leota for tomorrow’s game. He’s the lone elevation.
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) November 1, 2025
Leota has served as a core special teamer on his previous elevations. While having no defensive snaps thus far, he has earned 20 snaps on a variety of special teams units.
Even though running backs Alvin Kamara and Devin Neal have managed injury throughout the week, no running backs were elevated. Audric Estimé and Evan Hull are on the practice squad and there were early expectations that Estimé in particular could get playing time this week.
New Orleans not addressing the position indicates that they feel comfortable with both Kamara and Neal’s ailments. The two could see a heavy workload with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough seeing his first career start.
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