By Ross Jackson
KANSAS CITY — The New Orleans Saints will be without two more players for their Week 5 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The team announced Sunday afternoon that linebacker Pete Werner has been downgraded to out while running back Kendre Miller went from no designation to doubtful. The Miller news is not surprising as he only just returned to practice this week after missing effectively all of training camp and the first four weeks of the season on Injured Reserve. Miller has a three-week practice window to return to the field, so there’s no need to rush with a healthy Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams and Jordan Mims at the position.
As for linebacker, the Saints did get Demario Davis back after missing last week’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. But they will now be without both Werner and Willie Gay Jr., who was already ruled out with a hand injury.
With two of their top three rostered linebackers sidelined, Anfernee Orji and D’Marco Jackson will be thrust into more action next to Davis. Both showed a lot of promise throughout training camp. But now, the matchup with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will come into even greater focus.
New Orleans may also elevate rookie linebacker Isaiah Stalbird from its practice squad and also has fifth-round draft selection Jaylan Ford to fill out the available second-level defenders. The middle of the Saints’ defense has taken a big hit going into Monday Night Football. How they manage the adversity of their ongoing injury concerns may end up being the difference in this game.
