By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons put out their first injury report ahead of their Week 10 matchup. For the Saints, it’s the first injury report of the team’s newest era under Interim Head Coach Darren Rizzi. The coach told the media during his post-practice availability that he instituted an “activation” phase in practices to help the team stay healthy throughout the practice week.
All eyes will be on that progress after the team suffered numerous in-practice injuries so far this year. Will Rizzi’s new approach help? This week could be telling. New Orleans starts the week with little to no surprises on their initial injury report, which will serve as the starting line to track the impact of the new changes.
Did Not Participate:
WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Shoulder)
WR Chris Olave (Concussion)
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (Hamstring)
G Lucas Patrick (Ankle)
Limited Participation:
S Will Harris Jr. (Hamstring)
RB Jamaal Williams (Groin)
CB Rico Payton (Back)
S J.T. Gray (Back(
DT John Ridgeway III (Oblique)
Full Participation:
QB Derek Carr (Illness)
RB Alvin Kamara (Hand)
LB Nephi Sewell (Knee)
G Shane Lemeiux (Knee)
The players who all missed for the Saints on Wednesday are no surprise. All of which were either impacted by injury in last week’s loss to the Carolina Panthers or missed that game with the same injury.
Rizzi stated that of Olave’s availability after suffering his second confirmed concussion of the season that the team is focused on the wide receiver’s personal health first and foremost. He also said that Olave will “go through the process” of concussion protocol and see how he progresses. But it doesn’t sound like anyone is interested in rushing the young pass-catcher back sooner than is absolutely appropriate.
The Falcons’ report was estimated, as they did not practice on Wednesday. Thursday’s report will include more surefire information.
Did Not Participate*:
ILB JD Bertrand (Concussion)
OLB Matthew Judon (Illness)
Limited Participation*:
WR Drake London (Hip)
TE Kyle Pitts (Hamstring)
DL James Smith-Williams (Tibia)
G Chris Lindstrom (Knee)
DL Grady Jarrett (Acjilles)
Full Participation*:
ILB Troy Andersen (Knee)
C Drew Dalman (Ankle)
* – status estimated
The last time these two teams met in Week 4, Dalman was part of a pair of offensive linemen the Falcons were out. Although he is still nursing an ankle injury that sideline him against the Dallas Cowboys last week, the belief is that he would have been a full participant on Wednesday.
Andersen is a key return that could be on the was for Atlanta. The linebacker suffered his knee injury against the Saints earlier this season. After having a strong game against New Orleans (including a pick-6), he’s not been back on the field. However, he has been back at practice working his way back from injured reserve and now looks like he could be set to make his return against the Saints, hoping to carry his momentum against them from Week 4.
