As the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets gear up for their Week 16 clash, both teams have now completed their second practice of the week-and the injury report is starting to take shape. For the Saints, Thursday brought a few notable updates, including a tough blow to their backfield. Meanwhile, the Jets stayed steady with no changes to their report.
Let’s break down where both squads stand heading into a pivotal weekend.
New Orleans Saints: A Mixed Bag on the Injury Front
The Saints made three key adjustments to Thursday’s injury report. Defensive tackle Davon Godchaux was added, though it’s nothing alarming-just a veteran rest day. Wide receiver Mason Tipton is now listed with an illness, and safety Justin Reid, who had been limited earlier in the week, was upgraded to full participation-a good sign for a secondary that needs his leadership and range.
But the big news out of New Orleans is the loss of rookie running back Devin Neal, who’s been placed on injured reserve, officially ending his season. While Neal wasn’t a primary piece of the Saints’ offense, his absence thins out the depth behind Alvin Kamara, who himself is dealing with knee and ankle issues and didn’t practice on Thursday.
Here’s how the Saints’ injury report looks after Thursday’s session:
Full Participation
- QB Tyler Shough (Hip): The rookie quarterback continues to log full practices, which is encouraging for his development and availability.
- S Justin Reid (Knee): Back to full speed after being limited earlier in the week. His presence is critical for the Saints' defensive communication and coverage schemes.
Limited Participation
- DT Nathan Shepherd (Ankle/Knee): Still limited, but his ability to get on the field suggests he’s trending in the right direction.
Did Not Participate
- RB Alvin Kamara (Knee/Ankle): This is the one to watch.
Kamara is the engine of this offense, and his absence from practice two days in a row raises real questions about his availability for Sunday.
- T Asim Richards (Ankle): The offensive line continues to be banged up, and Richards missing time doesn’t help in the trenches.
- G Cesar Ruiz (Ankle): Another key lineman sidelined. The Saints will need to monitor his status closely heading into the weekend.
- WR Devaughn Vele (Shoulder): Still not practicing, and depth at receiver could become an issue.
- DT Davon Godchaux (Rest): Veteran maintenance day-nothing to be concerned about here.
- WR Mason Tipton (Illness): Added Thursday with an illness. His status will depend on how he responds over the next 48 hours.
New York Jets: Holding Steady, But Still Banged Up
The Jets didn’t make any new additions or changes to their injury report on Thursday, which is a positive sign for continuity. That said, they’re still dealing with a fair number of injuries, particularly on the offensive line and at quarterback.
Full Participation
- DL Jay Tufele (Shin): Practicing fully, which is good news for a defensive front that thrives on depth.
- OL Joe Tippmann (Knee), Xavier Newman (Knee), Josh Myers (Ankle): All three offensive linemen were full participants, suggesting the Jets could have a more stable unit up front this week.
- EDGE Jermaine Johnson II (Neck/Calf): He’s been a consistent playmaker off the edge, and his full participation bodes well for the Jets’ pass rush.
- RB Breece Hall (Knee): A full go, and that’s huge. Hall remains a dynamic weapon in both the run and pass game.
Limited Participation
- QB Tyrod Taylor (Groin/Knee): Still limited, and while he brings veteran poise, his mobility may be compromised.
- QB Justin Fields (Knee): Also limited. The Jets haven’t named a starter yet, but Fields’ dual-threat ability makes him a difference-maker-if healthy.
Did Not Participate
- DL Eric Watts (Concussion): Still in the protocol.
His absence could affect the Jets’ interior rotation.
- TE Mason Taylor (Neck): DNP again, and that could impact the Jets’ tight end depth and red zone packages.
- LB Kiko Mauigoa (Neck): Another defensive player not practicing. The Jets will need to monitor his status for special teams and linebacker depth.
What It All Means Heading Into Sunday
For the Saints, the biggest concern is the health of Alvin Kamara. If he can’t go, New Orleans will be forced to lean on a thinner backfield with Devin Neal now out for the season. Combine that with multiple offensive linemen missing practice, and the Saints’ offense could be in for a tough test against a Jets defense that thrives on pressure.
The Jets, on the other hand, are dealing with their own uncertainty at quarterback. Both Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields are limited, and it remains to be seen who will be under center. The good news is that most of their key offensive and defensive contributors-like Breece Hall and Jermaine Johnson-are practicing fully.
With both teams fighting to stay relevant late in the season, health could be the deciding factor. Keep an eye on Friday’s final injury report-it’s shaping up to be a critical one.