Saints, Jets release final Week 16 injury report

Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

By Ross Jackson

METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints and New York Jets have released their final injury reports ahead of their Week 16 matchup with each team ruling out key contributors. The Saints’ offense in particular looks to have taken the brunt of the rash of injuries experienced by both clubs.

Here is the injury report along with game designations from Friday:

New Orleans Saints

Out

RB Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle)
T Asim Richards (ankle)
G Cesar Ruiz (ankle)

Questionable

DT Nathan Shepherd (ankle/knee)
WR Mason Tipton (Illness)
TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden (knee)

No Game Designation (Good to go)

QB Tyler Shough (hip)
S Justin Reid (knee)
DT Davon Godchaux (NIR-rest)

Beyond ruling out three, the Saints also placed both running back Devin Neal and wide receiver Devaughn Vele on Injured Reserve. The move will end both players’ seasons as there are only three games left and the injury list designation requires them to each miss at least four weeks. The appointment of both to Injured Reserve appears to have more to do with the time remaining in the season rather than the present severity of the injuries.

New Orleans will be looking to several role players to step up as contributors around rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, star wide receiver Chris Olave and veteran tight end Juwan Johnson.

New York Jets

Out

LB Kiko Mauigoa (neck)
TE Mason Taylor (neck)
DL Eric Watts (concussion)

Questionable

QB Justin Fields (knee)
QB Tyrod Taylor (groin/knee)

No Game Designation (Good to go)

RB Breece Hall (knee)
EDGE Jermaine Johnson II (neck/calf)
OL Josh Myers (ankle)
OL Xavier Newman (knee)
OL Joe Tippmann (ankle)
DL Jay Tufele (shin)

The Jets have ruled three out as well while placing safety Tony Adams on Injured Reserve. Adams is the third Jets safety to be added to the injury list this year.

Undrafted rookie quarterback Brady Cook will see his second career start and will have a healthy Hall beside him in the backfield. That poses a big threat to the Saints’ No. 26 ranked rushing defense.