The Saints finally got a reason to breathe a little easier in Paris, and it came from a familiar face in the middle of the defense.
Kaden Elliss was back on the practice field Wednesday as a limited participant after missing the past three games with a calf injury. It was his first practice work since New Orleans’ Week 3 loss to Las Vegas, and while his status for Sunday’s matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers is still unclear, just getting him back on the field matters for a defense that has been searching for answers.
New Orleans enters the week at 2-4, coming off a 34-27 road win over the Giants. Pittsburgh is 4-2. The Saints have a chance to stack wins before their bye, and Elliss could be a key piece if he’s ready to go.
His absence has shown up against the run. In the first two games he missed, New Orleans allowed an average of 179 rushing yards.
The Saints looked better against the Giants, but the issue has not gone away. Elliss won’t fix everything on his own, but linebackers are the ones who set the table in the run game.
They have to read fast, close space and keep short gains from turning into big ones.
That becomes even more important against a Steelers team that doesn’t need to light up the scoreboard on the ground to control the game. If Pittsburgh can stay on schedule, it can keep Aaron Rodgers out of obvious passing situations and force New Orleans to defend the whole playbook.
The Saints need to make Pittsburgh uncomfortable, and stopping the run is where that starts.
There was more good news on the injury front as the week went on. Tyler Shough practiced fully despite the left-hand injury that has been showing up on recent reports. Nathan Shepherd and Kool-Aid McKinstry were also full participants.
That’s a good sign for Shough after a rough outing against Minnesota was followed by a much better response in Sunday’s win over New York. He accounted for four touchdowns in that game, and New Orleans also got a season-high 175 rushing yards, which let the offense function without leaning on the quarterback to carry every possession.
That’s the script the Saints need again in Paris. Shough does not have to win a shootout with Rodgers. He needs support.
There are still some issues to monitor. Alvin Kamara was limited Wednesday with a back injury and stayed limited on Thursday. CJ Donaldson was limited with a shoulder injury, and edge rusher Anfernee Jennings returned to limited work while dealing with a knee injury.
The biggest concern up front may be Cesar Ruiz, who did not practice Wednesday or Thursday because of a knee injury.
That matters, because Pittsburgh’s defense is too good to give extra advantages to by being short-handed along the offensive line. The Steelers had T.J.
Watt listed as a rest absence on Wednesday, though he was limited Thursday. Alex Highsmith was limited with a groin injury, and Jalen Ramsey missed practice with a wrist injury.
The Saints do not need to force Elliss back just because this game is important. But if he’s healthy enough to play, New Orleans could use his presence in a hurry.
This defense has spent too much of the season letting opponents dictate terms on the ground. Elliss brings another physical, seasoned presence to the heart of that battle.
New Orleans got a little momentum against the Giants. Sunday will show whether it can build on it. Stop the run, make Rodgers uncomfortable, protect Shough and keep the offense balanced.
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