The New Orleans Saints have found a rhythm over the last few weeks. They pulled off a big upset over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and are hanging around with the current division-leading Carolina Panthers.
Since Tyler Shough took over, the Saints have looked solid. RB Devin Neal has seen his role grow each week before reaching its high point in Week 14 with a career game. Trying to replicate that performance, he suffered an injury in the second quarter of Week 15.
What Happened to Devin Neal?
Neal left the game in the second quarter with an apparent leg problem. He headed to the locker room following his one-yard touchdown run.
Neal had seven carries, 28 rush yards, and a touchdown when he left. He is questionable to return to the game.
Saints RB Devin Neal is questionable to return today due to a hamstring injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 14, 2025
Neal had been playing very well, filling in for an injured Alvin Kamara. He’s been a reliable volume-based weekly RB2.
Without Neal, the Saints are really scraping the bottom of the barrel for running backs. We’re looking at a backfield featuring Audric Estime and Evan Hull.
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It’s really difficult to recommend either of these sub-replacement-level backs for fantasy managers to add. Both will probably stumble their way to the waiver wire column, but if you’re starting either of these guys in the fantasy semifinals, things have gone horribly awry.
The Saints will be hoping that Neal can benefit from the halftime layoff and return in the second half. The rookie running back is establishing himself as a key component of the Saints’ offense for the future.
Last week, he notched a career-high 19 carries for 70 yards and a score. His start today was encouraging, and with a return, there’s no saying he can’t set new career highs.
The Saints should be encouraged with their offense over the last few weeks. After early struggles, the Saints do not find themselves near the bottom of PFSN’s Offense Impact grades for the last two weeks.
Shough has given them reason to believe that the offense can thrive. The Saints could look to bring in another QB over the offseason, but their recent success will likely end the Spencer Rattler era in New Orleans for good.
The Saints are playing for pride and have a chance at one of the top picks in the NFL Draft. New Orleans still only has three wins and is still in good position for a top pick. However, if Neal returns today, the Saints will have a better chance to win and potentially jeopardize their chances of landing one of the premier draft prospects.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.Â
