Key Player Injuries and Potential Roster Changes for the New Orleans Saints

Major Injuries Lead to Player Absences

In a recent announcement, it was confirmed that Saints’ tight end Taysom Hill will not be taking part in the upcoming Monday night game against the Kansas City Chiefs. This development has significantly lengthened the team’s injury list, which now includes five players. Hill, who previously missed Week 3’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles due to a chest injury, has been sidelined again, this time with rib fractures sustained during last week’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Additional Player Absences and Injury Updates

The Saints will also be missing backup linebacker Willie Gay (hand), starting right guard Cesar Ruiz (knee), center Shane Lemieux (ankle), and defensive end Payton Turner. Saints coach Dennis Allen humorously told the press to not ask about the injury list, given its extensive nature.

However, there’s some good news too. Demario Davis, the starting linebacker who missed last week’s game due to a hamstring injury, participated fully in Saturday’s practice, as did Chris Olave (hamstring) and Alvin Kamara (ribs/hip). There are some limitations, though. Left tackle Taliese Fuaga (back/knee) had limited participation, and linebacker Pete Werner (hamstring) is questionable after limited participation in Saturday’s practice.

Reshuffling the Saints’ Lineup

With so many injuries, the Saints are contemplating significant changes to their starting lineup. They might have to bring in center Connor McGovern, recently signed off the Jets’ practice squad, to replace the injured centers Erik McCoy and Shane Lemieux.

Left guard Lucas Patrick, who previously played center when McCoy was injured, is also questionable due to a groin injury. Consequently, the Saints released wide receiver A.T. Perry to make room for the newly signed McGovern. Perry, a 2023 sixth-round pick who played 10 games and scored four touchdowns last season, has been a healthy scratch this season.

Coach Allen suggested that Perry may return to the practice squad if he clears waivers, stating that he still believes in Perry’s abilities. As the Saints navigate this challenging period, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact their performance in upcoming games.