By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints have announced their inactives against the Las Vegas Raiders. Starting quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara were already ruled out. A second running back will be inactive as well, indicating a big role for former LSU Tiger Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Here are today’s inactives for the Saints:
QB Derek Carr (Left Hand)
RB Jordan Mims
RB Alvin Kamara (Groin)
LB Anfernee Orji
WR Mason Tipton
DT John Ridgeway III
DT Khristian Boyd
With Mims and Kamara inactive, the team is likely to lean on Edwards-Helaire as their versatile back in both the outside run and passing game. The Louisiana-native’s first game looks like it will be one in which he will be heavily involved.
Orji being inactive is a bit surprising. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi will update after the game if this is an injury-related decision. However, it could be as simple as wanting to get a look at undrafted free agent linebacker/safety Isaiah Stalbird. Orji took a similar path as Stalbird as an undrafted free agent.
With Tipton inactive, wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling is good to return to the lineup after missing last week’s game against the Green Bay Packers. He could be in for a big play or two on Sunday thanks to the Raiders’ heavy usage of pressure defenses with no safeties over the top.
Starting offensive lineman Erik McCoy and Lucas Patrick will also be out for this game. They are not listed among the inactives because they were added to Injured Reserve on Saturday. Wide receiver Chris Olave will also be unavailable though not listed, as he has not yet come off of Injured Reserve.
