As Week 16 approaches, the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints are both navigating a long list of injuries that could significantly impact how Sunday’s matchup at Caesars Superdome unfolds. With each team sitting at the bottom of their respective conferences - the Saints at 4-10, the Jets at 3-11 - this game may not carry playoff implications, but it’s still a key opportunity for evaluation, development, and pride. And with so many players either sidelined or limited in practice, depth will be tested on both sidelines.
Saints Injury Report: Kamara Headlines a Concerning List
The Saints are banged up, and the biggest name on the injury report is running back Alvin Kamara, who didn’t practice due to knee and ankle issues. Kamara has long been the engine of New Orleans’ offense, and without him, the Saints lose not just a runner, but a dynamic pass-catcher and one of the league’s most elusive open-field threats. His status will be closely watched heading into the weekend.
Joining Kamara on the sideline were rookie running back Devin Neal (hamstring), offensive linemen Asim Richards and Cesar Ruiz (both dealing with ankle injuries), and linebacker Devaughn Veie (shoulder). That’s two key pieces of the Saints’ offensive line not practicing - not ideal for a team that’s already struggled to protect the quarterback and establish a consistent ground game.
On a more optimistic note, safety Justin Reid and defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd were limited participants. Reid is dealing with a knee issue, while Shepherd is managing both ankle and knee concerns. Their availability will be crucial for a defense that’s had to carry more than its fair share of the load this season.
Quarterback Tyler Shough, who’s been dealing with a hip injury, was a full participant - a positive sign for a team that’s had instability at the position throughout the year.
Jets Injury Report: Quarterback Concerns Continue
The Jets’ injury report reads like a laundry list of setbacks, especially at quarterback. Both Justin Fields (knee) and Tyrod Taylor (groin) were limited in practice, leaving the Jets with some uncertainty under center.
Fields, when healthy, brings a dual-threat element that can stress defenses, but his mobility is clearly in question. Taylor, the veteran presence, offers steadiness but is also nursing a soft tissue injury that could limit his availability or effectiveness.
Safety Tony Adams (groin), linebacker Kiko Mauigoa (neck), tight end Mason Taylor (neck), and defensive lineman Eric Watts (concussion) all missed practice entirely. That’s a significant chunk of the Jets’ defensive core, plus a young tight end who’s shown flashes in limited action.
There is some good news: running back Breece Hall was a full participant despite a knee issue. Hall remains one of the Jets’ most explosive offensive weapons, and his ability to suit up could be a game-changer, especially if the quarterback situation remains murky.
Defensive end Jermaine Johnson (neck/calf), and offensive linemen Josh Myers (ankle), Xavier Newman (knee), and Joe Tippmann (ankle) were also full participants. That’s a promising sign for a Jets offensive line that’s been reshuffled more times than they’d like. Defensive tackle Jay Tufele (shin) also logged a full practice, bolstering depth in the trenches.
What It All Means
For the Saints, the potential absence of Kamara - combined with injuries along the offensive line - could force them to lean more on the short passing game and creative play-calling to generate offense. On defense, they’ll be hoping Reid and Shepherd can go, especially against a Jets team that, despite its record, still has some big-play potential.
The Jets, meanwhile, are once again in quarterback limbo. If Fields or Taylor can’t go, it’s unclear who would take the reins - and even if they can, mobility and timing could be compromised. That puts even more pressure on Breece Hall and the Jets’ defense to keep things competitive.
Both teams are playing for more than just a win. They’re evaluating young talent, testing depth, and trying to build something for the future. Sunday may not be a playoff preview, but it’ll be a telling snapshot of where these franchises stand heading into the final stretch of the season.