Somehow, someway, the New Orleans Saints have overcome massive injury challenges in recent weeks. Players have been able to step up and take over whenever called upon, even in the most unlikely places. This is an excellent thing for the Saints to have, but relying on it is a big mistake.
The Saints need some of their injured players to return this week, especially against their biggest rival.
Saints Release First Injury Report of the Week
Although New Orleans needs injury luck to be on their side, finally, I have some bad news. In today’s practice, QB Tyler Shough was a full participant, and LB Demario Davis was limited. A potential Saints defense without Davis will struggle, so hopefully the veteran can overcome this injury.
The good news is that OG Cesar Ruiz did return to practice, but that is where the good part of this injury report ends.
Wednesday’s #Saints and Falcons injury report pic.twitter.com/9xiwkWq2vS
— Tina Howell (@TinaM_Howell) December 31, 2025
Here is the list of players who did not practice: DTs Bryan Bresee and Nathan Shepherd, WRs Chris Olave and Mason Tipton, TEs Jack Stoll and Zaire Mitchell-Paden, QB Spencer Rattler, G Dillon Radunz, CB Michael Davis, and RB Alvin Kamara.
With Injuries to Key Players, New Orleans’ Offense May Struggle
Shough should be good to go by Sunday, but looking at some of the other offensive players listed on the injury report, it could be a tough day at the office for the rookie. Yes, he has overcome so much in his rookie season, but putting even more obstacles in front of Shough is unfair. Combining this with a tough Atlanta Falcons defense (currently 17th in PFSN’s Defensive Impact Metric), Shough would have a much lower chance of finishing the season strong.
If these injuries (besides Shough) hold for Sunday, the Saints would also need some of their depth to step up. Last week, RB Audric Estimé was that player and finished as the #1-ranked RB in Week 17 according to PFSN’s RB Impact Metric. If Kamara is still out, the Saints will look his way again, but the odds are low that Estimé can repeat his performance.
