The New Orleans Saints have ruled out four players, none of which are surprises, for their game against the Atlanta Falcons. Several players are working their way off of Injured Reserve for New Orleans.
Here is the information from the final injury report ahead of the Week 10 match:
New Orleans Saints:
Out:
WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Shoulder)
WR Chris Olave (Concussion)
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (Hamstring)
G Lucas Patrick (Ankle)
Doubtful:
C Erik McCoy (Groin)
Questionable:
S Will Harris Jr. (Hamstring)
RB Jamaal Williams (Groin)
CB Rico Payton (Back)
LB Nephi Sewell (Knee)
S J.T. Gray (Back)
G Shane Lemeiux (Knee)
DT John Ridgeway III (Oblique)
No Game Designation (Good To Go):
QB Derek Carr (Illness)
RB Alvin Kamara (Hand)
The four players ruled out have all been out of practice throughout the week, so no shockers there. However, there is some positive, unexpected news. Harris, Sewell and Lemieux all sound like they are on track to be healthy enough to potentially be available for the team this weekend. Considering the number of roster spots available and limited options in terms of movement that could be made, some may still end up being inactive even if healthy. Having too many healthy players sure is a different tune for these Saints.
Interim Head Coach Darren Rizzi said Friday that Harris could very well be back on the field this week for the first time since injuring his hamstring against the Kansas City Chiefs. His tackling and coverage ability would surely be a boost for the defense.
Meanwhile, the running back room will be relying on some young pieces this weekend. It sounds unlikely that Williams will be able to go, despite being listed as questionable on the report. Expect running back Jordan Mims and tight end Taysom Hill to contribute alongside star rusher Alvin Kamara in the ground game. Kamara, by the way, is just 12 rushing yards away from becoming the team’s all-time rushing yards leader. He has an opportunity to clinch another franchise record in front of the hometown crowd.
Atlanta Falcons
Out:
ILB JD Bertrand (Concussion)
Questionable:
WR Drake London (Hip)
C Drew Dalman (Ankle)
No Game Designation (Good To Go):
TE Kyle Pitts (Hamstring)
DL James Smith-Williams (Tibia)
G Chris Lindstrom (Knee)
DL Grady Jarrett (Achilles)
OLB Matthew Judon (Illness)
ILB Troy Andersen (Knee)
Only one player, Bertrand, is ruled out for the Falcons. The keys on their report come down to what seems to be the surefire return of linebacker Troy Andersen and the possible path back to the field for center Drew Dalman. Andersen was having a remarkable game against the Saints in the Week 4 matchup. Nearing the end of that game, he went down with a knee injury and has been out since. He looks ready to get back to the field with a chance to finish what he started earlier this season.
