Tyler Shough tried to put the focus back on football after Monday night, even with a wrap on his left hand and a fresh injury note hanging over him.
The Saints quarterback said the hand got banged up in New Orleans’ 45-24 loss to Atlanta on Monday Night Football, according to ESPN’s Katherine Terrell, but he downplayed the issue afterward. Shough called it “nothing different than anyone else.” He also acknowledged he was still score on Wednesday, though he said the problem won’t keep him from getting through the rest of the week.
Even so, the injury showed up in the practice report. Shough was a limited participant on Wednesday.
The timing matters because he’s been one of the few bright spots in a rough start. Through four games in his first full season as the Saints’ starting quarterback, Shough has thrown for 1,203 yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions.
But he’s not the only name New Orleans is watching closely.
Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave both sat out Wednesday’s practice. Olave’s absence was just a veteran rest day, and he is reportedly fully healthy.
Kamara, though, is dealing with a back issue, which is a much bigger concern for a Saints offense that already has Travis Etienne Jr. on injured reserve. If Kamara can’t go in Week 5, New Orleans would be left to lean on Kendre Miller and CJ Donaldson at running back.
Barion Brown, Kaden Elliss, and Anfernee Jennings also missed practice Wednesday. Brown is dealing with a thigh issue, Elliss with a calf injury, and Jennings with a knee injury.
The Saints will be keeping a close eye on the report all week as they prepare for an undefeated opponent. Saints vs.
Vikings kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Oct. 11 from Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
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Practice has reportedly looked better in terms of effort, which at least gives New Orleans something to lean on as it resets for Minnesota. The Vikings are next on the schedule, and after a game like this one, the Saints need more than cleaner work during the week - they need it to show up before the problems start stacking again. [Read more 🡒]
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Saints Suddenly Have A Superdome Problem Fans Wont Ignore
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For the Saints, the issue is bigger than one bad afternoon. Home field advantage is supposed to be a difference-maker in New Orleans, but recent results have made it harder to count on the Superdome as a weekly boost. The next few games now carry extra weight, not just for the standings but for the mood around the team, because getting back on track at home may be the clearest way to pull the fan base back in. [Read more 🡒]