For the New Orleans Saints in recent weeks, the highs of winning have been followed closely by the lows of injuries. That has been the primary disappointment throughout 2025, particularly when offseason additions are ruled out for the year.
Early in the season, safety Julian Blackmon, who looked strong in the defense, and rookie defensive tackle Vernon Broughton, a third-round pick, were placed on injured reserve. Now, New Orleans means to enter Week 16 with an extensive injury list, and one player has already been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
New Orleans Saints’ Injuries Get Worse
As with Wednesday’s practice, running back Alvin Kamara, offensive tackle Asim Richards, guard Cesar Ruiz, and wide receiver Devaugn Vele were all absent. Defensive tackle Davon Godchaux was added to the report for a rest day, while wide receiver Mason Tipton was out due to illness. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and safety Justin Reid, who was limited on Wednesday, were full participants, and defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd remained limited.
Thursday’s #Saints and Jets injury report pic.twitter.com/3fku28t3KY
— Tina Howell (@TinaM_Howell) December 18, 2025
It was announced on Wednesday that Vele and rookie running back Devin Neal were already ruled out for Sunday. On Thursday, it was also revealed that Neal had been placed on season-ending injured reserve.
The #Saints placed RB Devin Neal (hamstring) on Injured Reserve, per the wire.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 18, 2025
This marks the second season-ending injury in the Saints’ running back room this year, and Kamara has been a frequent name on the injury report. New Orleans’ offensive line has struggled in the run game all season, and those injuries have turned it into a significant weakness. Still, the team has young talent in Kendre Miller and Neal, but the rookie needed a strong finish to the season and will no longer have that opportunity.
Two weeks ago against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Neal posted the best performance of his young career, according to PFSN’s RB Impact Metric. Given how he started against the Carolina Panthers last week, that game had the potential to be even better. Now, the rookie will not be able to push aside the possibility of the Saints drafting another running back in 2026, but the organization should not give up on him.
In a short amount of time, Neal has shown the ability to handle a lead role, take on a heavy workload when needed, and fit into head coach Kellen Moore’s scheme. There is no reason to give up on the young playmaker despite this setback.
