We’re into Week 8 of the NFL season, and injuries are piling up across the league. We’ve been tracking the New Orleans Saints injury report all week and have the latest game status for all fantasy-relevant players who appeared on the report.
If a player you’re looking for isn’t listed below, then they weren’t on the report, and they are set to play, barring any last-minute setback.
If you’re looking for other injuries on other teams, check out our final Week 8 Injury Report, which covers every fantasy-relevant player in every game.
Derek Carr, QB
Derek Carr has missed the New Orleans Saints’ last two games after suffering an oblique injury in Week 5. Carr did not practice leading up to last week’s Thursday night game vs. the Denver Broncos. However, he is back to throwing, which suggests a return could be imminent. However, he missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, and head coach Dennis Allen told reporters that Carr is unlikely to suit up in Week 8.
Saints coach Dennis Allen said Spencer Rattler is the expected quarterback Sunday at the Chargers.
Derek Carr has resumed throwing but isn’t likely to be back yet this week.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett)
With Carr likely sidelined again, Allen has made it clear that he’s sticking with fifth-round rookie Spencer Rattler at quarterback.
From a fantasy perspective, that’s bad news for the Saints’ offense. New Orleans scored 27 points in the second quarter of Rattler’s first start vs. Tampa Bay but has otherwise put up three points in seven quarters with him (Jake Haener led their only touchdown drive vs. Denver).
Spencer Rattler, QB
New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said Wednesday that Spencer Rattler (hip) likely will be the Saints’ starting quarterback Sunday at the Chargers.
Carr, who has been sidelined the last two games due to an oblique injury, took part in throwing sessions on Monday and Tuesday, which seemed to be scheduled to determine his recovery status. However, he wasn’t able to practice on Wednesday or Thursday.
Allen doesn’t believe Carr will be ready for Week 8 action, allowing Rattler to get a third start in a row. Rattler emerged from last Thursday’s to the Broncos with a hip pointer, but the issue won’t stop him from being available this weekend.
In his first two career starters, the rookie fifth-rounder has completed 47 of 75 passes for 415 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, rushed nine times for 61 yards, and fumbled three times (two lost).
Alvin Kamara, RB
Alvin Kamara (hand/rib) was limited at practice throughout the week. However, the New Orleans Saints removed the veteran running back from their injury report on Friday. Kamara is set to face the Chargers in Week 8.
Kamara told Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune that he’s been playing through a broken hand the last two games. He’s also still dealing with the broken ribs that he suffered in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
In four outings since, Kamara racked up 74 touches for 273 yards from scrimmage and two rushing TDs, displaying that he remains productive on a week-to-week basis.
Chris Olave, WR
After missing Week 7 with a concussion, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave does not have an injury designation for Week 8. He is ready to play against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
Olave did not practice before the Saints’ Week 7 Thursday night game after suffering a concussion just four days earlier.
This week, Olave was limited in practice on Wednesday before getting in a full practice on Thursday. He’s exited the league’s concussion protocol and will resume his role as the Saints’ WR1.
Olave’s fantasy value will be limited as long as Carr (oblique) remains out. But with Rashid Shaheed (meniscus) out for the season, there should be plenty of targets headed Olave’s way when he returns.
Taysom Hill, TE
Taysom Hill (rib) will return Sunday for his first game action since going down in Week 5. He participated in limited practice on Wednesday but fully practiced on Thursday.
Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau have been handling TE reps in the interim. However, Johnson joined Hill as limited on Wednesday’s report due to a shoulder injury and is questionable for Week 7.
