DT Saunders absent from Saints Wednesday practice

By Ross Jackson

NEW ORLEANS — A new name has been added to the absentee list for the portion of New Orleans Saints practice that was open to the media: defensive tackle Khalen Saunders.

Final Saints practice of the week, and no movement on key starters. Among those not spotted Wednesday included Derek Carr, Taysom Hill, Chris Olave, Pete Werner, Rashid Shaheed, Khalen Saunders and Cesar Ruiz

— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) October 16, 2024

Perhaps a personal absence, or perhaps just not seen much like tight end Taysom Hill was on Tuesday, we’ll get a better idea of the situation when the injury report comes out later today. But the Saints have had bad luck with in-practice injuries. Hopefully this is not another example of one.

Here are the players that were not spotted during the portion of practice open to the media, per multiple reports:

QB Derek Carr (Oblique)

TE Taysom Hill (Abdomen)

WR Chris Olave (Concussion)

LB Pete Werner (Hamstring)

WR Rashid Shaheed (Knee)

DT Khalen Saunders

G Cesar Ruiz (Knee)

The Saints’ attendance list is very troubling considering the impact of each absent player. All seven are key contributors and starters on either side of the ball. The running trend of unprecedented amounts of injuries for the team continues its, what feels like, years-long run. Even more concerning is the fact that injuries continue to impact their starting lineup most. Much concern to be had around this area of the team, however as their staff knows well, the team still has to compete this week. 

The silver lining here would be if Saunders and Hill were simply not seen, but at least were participating in practice at some level. Also, the fact that starting left guard Lucas Patrick was back for a second day in a row. That trends well for the Saints to finally have the majority of their starters back on Thursday night.