The New Orleans Saints have managed to stay relatively healthy through much of the season, but as Week 17 approaches, that luck seems to be running out. The injury report heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Tennessee Titans is a crowded one - and it’s not just New Orleans feeling the strain. Tennessee’s list is nearly as long, with both teams dealing with a combined 21 players on their respective reports.
Let’s start with the Saints, who had six players sit out of Wednesday’s practice entirely. Defensive tackle Davon Godchaux was given a veteran rest day - a routine move at this stage of the season - but the rest of the absences raise more concern.
Rookie defensive tackle Bryan Bresee has already been ruled out for Sunday due to a knee injury. That’s a hit to a defensive front that relies on his interior pressure and energy.
The offense wasn’t spared either. Alvin Kamara, the engine of the Saints’ backfield, didn’t practice because of knee and ankle issues.
His status is one to watch closely - his versatility as both a runner and receiver is central to how this offense moves the chains.
At tight end, the depth is being tested. Zaire Mitchell-Paden is dealing with a knee injury, and Foster Moreau has already been ruled out due to an ankle issue. That leaves the Saints potentially thin at a position they’ve leaned on in both blocking and short-yardage passing situations.
Two more players were limited: defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd, who’s managing both ankle and knee issues, and wide receiver Mason Tipton, dealing with a groin injury. Shepherd has been a steady presence on the defensive line, so his availability will be important, especially with Bresee already sidelined.
On a more positive note, three Saints players were full participants despite being listed on the report. Wide receiver Chris Olave (back), offensive lineman Asim Richards (ankle), and quarterback Tyler Shough (hip) all practiced fully. That’s especially encouraging for Olave, who remains the team’s top target and a key piece in stretching the field vertically.
Over on the Titans’ side, the injury list is just as busy. Cornerback Marcus Harris didn’t practice due to a knee injury, while five others were limited.
That group includes cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis (Achilles), tight end Gunnar Helm (toe), defensive end Sebastian Joseph-Day (calf), outside linebacker Oluwafemi Oladejo (fibula), and veteran guard Kevin Zeitler (groin). That’s a mix of contributors on both sides of the ball, and any lingering issues could impact Tennessee’s ability to execute, particularly in the trenches.
Four Titans players were full participants despite being listed: running back Julius Chestnut (back), outside linebacker Ali Gaye (knee), linebacker Cedric Gray (concussion), and wide receiver Bryce Oliver (knee). That’s a good sign, especially for Gray, who’s working his way back from a concussion and could provide much-needed help in the second level of the defense.
With Christmas Day giving the Saints a day off from practice, all eyes will turn to Friday’s session for a clearer picture of who’s trending toward playing and who might be sidelined. For now, both teams are navigating the late-season injury bug - and with playoff implications still in play, every name on that report matters just a little more.