With Week 16 looming, both the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets are dealing with a wave of injuries that could significantly shape their Sunday clash in the Caesars Superdome. The final injury reports are in, and they paint a picture of two teams leaning heavily on their depth - and, in the Jets’ case, turning to a rookie quarterback to steady the ship.
Let’s break it down.
Saints Lose Key Starters, Depth Tested Across the Board
For the Saints, the headline is simple: they’ll be without Alvin Kamara. The versatile running back has been ruled out with knee and ankle issues, a blow to an offense that often runs through his ability to create mismatches in both the run and pass game. Without Kamara, expect New Orleans to lean on a committee approach - though with rookie Devin Neal also placed on injured reserve this week, the options are thinning fast.
And the hits don’t stop there.
Starting guard Cesar Ruiz, a key piece along the offensive line, is also out with an ankle injury. His absence could complicate protection schemes, especially against a Jets front that’s known for bringing pressure. Add in tackle Asim Richards (also out), and the Saints may be looking at a reshuffled line on Sunday - never ideal with playoff hopes still flickering.
The Saints also made two season-ending moves, placing rookie running back Devin Neal and breakout wide receiver Devaughn Vele on injured reserve. Vele had emerged as a reliable target in recent weeks, and his absence leaves a void in the receiving corps. Rookie QB Tyler Shough, who was a full participant in practice with a hip issue, will need to find new rhythm with a reshuffled group of pass-catchers.
On the defensive side, safety Justin Reid is set to return after missing two games with a knee injury - a much-needed boost to a secondary that’s been stretched thin. Defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd (ankle/knee), tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden (knee), and wide receiver Mason Tipton (illness) are all listed as questionable after limited or no participation in Friday’s practice.
In short: the Saints are limping into Week 16, and they’ll need some unsung heroes to step up if they want to keep pace.
Jets Name Rookie Brady Cook Starter Amid QB Uncertainty
The Jets, meanwhile, are making a bold move of their own - rookie quarterback Brady Cook will get the start. With both Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields listed as questionable (groin/knee and knee injuries, respectively), the Jets are handing the keys to their young signal-caller in a high-stakes road game.
Cook’s debut comes with plenty of intrigue. He’ll be working behind an offensive line that’s mostly healthy, with Joe Tippmann, Xavier Newman, and Josh Myers all logging full practices. That’s good news for a rookie QB facing a Saints defense that thrives on pressure and confusion.
But not all is smooth sailing.
Tight end Mason Taylor, one of the team’s most promising rookies, has been ruled out with a neck injury. His absence takes away a valuable safety valve for Cook in the middle of the field. Linebacker Kiko Mauigoa (neck) and defensive lineman Eric Watts (concussion) are also out, thinning out the Jets’ defensive depth.
Still, there are some positives: Breece Hall (knee) was a full participant and looks ready to go. The dynamic back will be key in helping take pressure off Cook, both as a runner and a pass-catcher. Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II (neck/calf) also practiced fully, a good sign for a defense that will need to get after Shough and force mistakes.
What to Watch on Sunday
This game is shaping up to be a battle of attrition as much as execution. Both teams are missing key contributors, and both are turning to young quarterbacks to carry the load.
For the Saints, the focus will be on how they compensate for the loss of Kamara and Ruiz - two foundational pieces on offense. Can Tyler Shough stay upright behind a patched-up line? Can someone emerge in the passing game with Vele out?
For the Jets, it’s all about Brady Cook. The rookie will be making his first start in one of the NFL’s loudest venues, against a defense that knows how to disguise coverages and bring heat. If Cook can stay poised and avoid turnovers, the Jets could be in position to steal one on the road.
Either way, this Week 16 matchup suddenly has a lot more intrigue - not just because of the playoff implications, but because we’re about to learn a lot about the depth, resilience, and future of both rosters.