The New Orleans Saints are heading into Week 3 without two rookie draft picks, as the team’s final injury report ruled out second-round defensive lineman Christen Miller and sixth-round returns ace Barion Brown for Sunday’s matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Miller, dealing with a toe injury, will miss his second straight game. Brown is out with a hamstring issue after making a major impact in last week’s upset of the Baltimore Ravens, when his kickoff return just before halftime helped set up the Saints in field goal range.
There was one notable new development on the defensive side: backup cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. returned to practice for the first time this week after dealing with a shoulder injury, and he’s officially questionable. Veteran defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd, who had been a full participant on Thursday, was limited on Friday because of a hip issue, but he does not carry a game status and should be expected to play Sunday.
Outside of that, the Saints’ injury picture trended in the right direction, with everyone else on the report taking a positive step forward.
Las Vegas’ report is still incomplete, since the Raiders practice later than the Saints. As of Thursday’s estimate, EDGE Kwity Paye did not participate because of illness, safety Treydan Stukes also sat out with a concussion, and tight end Brock Bowers was limited with a knee injury.
The rest of the Raiders’ estimated report showed full participation for linebacker Nakobe Dean, defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi, cornerback Darien Porter, wide receiver Dareke Young, linebacker Segun Olubi, and defensive tackle JJ Pegues. That report will be updated once Friday’s practice information becomes available.
In Other News...
The Saints Hero In Their Most Iconic Superdome Moment Was Unexpected
When the Saints came home to the Superdome on Sept. 25, 2006, one of the most memorable plays in franchise history almost had a different cast. Curtis DeLoatch was not even supposed to be on the punt rush, but a shortage of players sent him in at the last second, placing him in the middle of the sequence that helped define the night and fuel a 23-3 win over Atlanta.
Steve Gleasons block became the image that lives on outside the Superdome, but DeLoatchs role gave the play its finish. He was the one who recovered the loose ball for a touchdown, a reminder that some of the most iconic moments in Saints history have turned on unexpected hands being in the right place at the right time. [Read more 🡒]
Ex-Jaguars RB Already Giving Saints Fans A Reason To Worry
Through two games, Travis Etienne Jr. has given the Saints an early reminder that a big contract does not automatically bring quick certainty. New Orleans brought in the former Jaguars running back on a deal worth $48 million, expecting him to be a key piece of the offense, but his production so far has been quieter than hoped and his yards per touch are down from last season.
Etienne has still been on the field plenty, logging a 57% snap count, but the backfield work has not been his alone. He has shared touches with other players, which is part of why it is far too early to judge the deal either way, though it is enough to keep the Saints watching closely as the season settles in. [Read more 🡒]
One Saints Moment Still Says Everything About New Orleans
Nearly a year after Hurricane Katrina, the sight of the Saints back in the Superdome for a Monday night game against Atlanta carried a weight that went far beyond football. New Orleans had been waiting for that homecoming, and the building itself felt like part of the story, a place tied to loss, resilience and the citys attempt to find its footing again.
Steve Gleasons blocked punt early in the game, recovered by Curtis DeLoatch for a touchdown, gave that night its defining image and helped turn the return into something unforgettable. The Saints won, and the moment has lived on in New Orleans ever since, even being honored with the Rebirth statue outside the Superdome. [Read more 🡒]