By Ross Jackson
The New Orleans Saints have announced their inactives ahead of this afternoon’s showdown with the Los Angeles Chargers. With the Saints as healthy as they have been in recent weeks, the team had a lot more flexibility on its roster headed into this one.
Here are the Saints’ inactives for today’s game:
QB Derek Carr (Oblique)
WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Hip)
G Nick Saldiveri (Shoulder)
LB Jaylan Ford
TE Dallin Holker
DT Khristian Boyd
The biggest surprise here is Valdes-Scantling. The newly acquired wide receiver is still learning his new system. Arriving on Monday and playing Sunday did feel like a realistic possibility. However, it looks like the Saints will look to roll out their newest offensive weapon until next week against the Carolina Panthers.
Ford, Holker and Boyd are all products of healthy players returning at their position. Linebacker Pete Werner, wide receiver Chris Olave and interior defender Khalen Saunders are all set to return Sunday, pushing the depth chart down a touch.
Carr was listed as “Doubtful” in case he was ready enough to at least be the team’s emergency third quarterback, but it looks like he will not be designated as such. Much like last week, Carr will be inactive with the team’s hopes being that he will return to the helm next week in Carolina.
The Saints announced on Saturday that they added help at safety. Ugo Amadi was signed to the active roster while Roderic Teamer was elevated for gameday. Additionally, the Saints also elevated wideout Equanimeous St. Brown, who will be particularly helpful with Wilson Jr. and Valdes-Scantling both inactive.
