Roughly a third of the Saints roster is dealing with injury.
Seventeen of the New Orleans Saints’ 53 active players are listed on the first injury report of Week 7. The Saints are preparing for a highly-emotional matchup with the Denver Broncos, welcoming former head coach Sean Payton back to the Caesars’ Superdome for the first time since he left New Orleans. Ideally, the team can get some players back healthy before Thursday night’s game. But on a short week, the timeline is challengingly tight.
Speaking of tight timelines, Because of the quick turnaround between games and the injury report estimated for Monday since the team did not practice. A more solid report will be made available after Tuesday’s practice.
Here is the information from Monday’s estimated injury report:
New Orleans Saints
Did Not Participate:
QB Derek Carr (Oblique)
WR Chris Olave (Concussion)
LB Pete Werner (Hamstring)
WR Rashid Shaheed (Knee)
G Cesar Ruiz (Knee)
C/G Lucas Patrick (Chest)
Limited Participation:
CB Alontae Taylor (Shoulder)
TE Taysom Hill (Rib)
WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Ankle)
RB Alvin Kamara (Hand)
S J.T. Gray (Calf)
DT Nathan Shepherd (Groin)
DE Carl Granderson (Neck)
DE Payton Turner (Knee)
Full Participation:
Willie Gay (Hand)
S Tyrann Matheiu (Forearm)
Bub Means (Hand)
Of the players that were estimated as not participating, the biggest surprise is Shaheed with his knee injury. With Olave on a very tight timeline trying to clear concussion protocol, there’s a chance the Saints will not be able to get him back in time for Thursday’s game. If they also end up missing Shaheed, their passing offense would be even more handcuffed. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that Shaheed’s knee injury was “concerning”.
One to keep an eye on: #Saints electric WR/returner Rashid Shaheed did not practice today for a knee injury described as concerning, source said.
His status going forward is TBD. pic.twitter.com/69r9XYo7eX
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 14, 2024
Of those limited, things will become more clear on Tuesday. But an estimation of Hill back to practice is a massively important sign. The Saints offense has been far more successful with Hill than without him.
Denver Broncos
Did Not Participate:
CB Pat Surtain II (Concussion)
Limited Participation:
CB Riley Moss (Hip)
CB Ja’Quan McMillian (Ankle)
T Alex Palczewski (Ankle)
Full Participation:
CB Damarri Mathis (Ankle)
ILB Justin Strnad (Ribs)
As for the Broncos, their cornerback room is in clear dismay. Yet another reason why the Saints would hope to have either of, if not both, Olave and Shaheed back. But perhaps last week’s arrival for Means could elevate him to a larger role against a possibly hampered defensive backs group as well. Much like Olave, Surtain is battling a very disadvantageous timeline for return through concussion protocol.
