The New Orleans Saints have managed to stay relatively healthy through much of the season, but that good fortune is starting to fade at a crucial time. As they gear up for a Week 15 matchup against the New York Jets, the injury list is beginning to stack up-and it’s hitting some key areas on offense.
Head coach Kellen Moore confirmed that both running back Devin Neal (ankle) and wide receiver Devaughn Vele (shoulder) have been ruled out for Sunday. That’s two offensive contributors the Saints won’t have as they try to keep pace in a tight playoff race.
The bigger concern, though, might be Alvin Kamara. The star running back has now missed three straight games with knee and ankle issues and was once again absent from practice on Wednesday.
If Kamara can’t suit up this weekend, the Saints’ backfield depth takes a serious hit. With Neal sidelined, that would leave just two traditional running backs-rookie Audric Estime and second-year man Evan Hull-alongside the ever-versatile Taysom Hill, who can line up just about anywhere but isn’t a full-time back.
That’s not exactly the kind of depth you want when you’re facing a Jets defense that’s built to limit the run and force teams to win through the air.
Speaking of the passing game, Vele’s absence is another blow. The second-year receiver had quietly become one of Tyler Shough’s go-to targets in recent weeks.
Since his breakout showing in Miami, Vele had racked up 16 receptions for 202 yards over the last three games-numbers that don’t just show volume, but also trust from the quarterback. Unfortunately, he suffered a shoulder injury during the Saints’ win over the Panthers and left the locker room in a sling.
His chemistry with Shough had been growing, and now the Saints will need someone else to step up on the outside.
The offensive line isn’t immune either. Guard Cesar Ruiz and tackle Asim Richards both missed practice Wednesday with ankle injuries.
Ruiz’s potential absence is particularly notable. He’s been a steady presence up front, and if he can’t go, the Saints will likely turn to William Sherman.
Sherman’s been working his way up the depth chart and could now be in line for meaningful snaps in a high-leverage game.
It’s a tough spot for New Orleans. The Saints are in the thick of the playoff hunt, and while they’ve navigated injuries well so far this season, this particular wave is testing the depth chart in some critical areas. With Kamara still sidelined, Neal out, and Vele unavailable, the offense will need to get creative-and fast-if they want to keep their postseason hopes alive against a tough Jets defense.