The New Orleans Saints will enter Monday night’s Week 4 clash with the Atlanta Falcons without three important defenders, while the Falcons report no players ruled out. Saints defensive ends Carl Granderson and Anfernee Jennings, along with linebacker Kaden Elliss, are all confirmed out with injuries. The Falcons, meanwhile, have every player listed as available.
Granderson suffered an ankle injury in last Sunday’s game and did not practice all week. His absence removes a versatile defender who can both set the edge and drop into coverage. Jennings, sidelined with a knee injury, also missed practice and won’t play. He is known for his run defense from the edge. Elliss missed practice due to a calf issue and will not suit up. Losing Elliss limits the Saints’ ability to pressure Falcons running back Bijan Robinson and to stop Atlanta’s second-level attack.
With both Granderson and Jennings sidelined, the Saints will rely heavily on Chase Young and Cameron Jordan to handle the defensive front. Elliss’s absence means the linebacker group is thinner against the run, impacting New Orleans’s ability to contain a strong Atlanta ground game.
The Saints have two players listed as questionable. Tight end Noah Fant, who was limited in practice all week with an abdominal injury, is coming off a game with two touchdowns and would be a significant offensive loss if unable to play. Linebacker Pete Werner, sidelined all week with a shoulder injury, has a chance to play depending on how he feels during pregame warmups. Werner has taken on increased responsibility following the departure of Demario Davis and is key to the Saints’ efforts to slow the Falcons’ running game.
The Falcons named three players as questionable but did not rule out anyone. Linebackers Yasir Abdullah (illness) and Divine Deablo (hamstring), as well as defensive end Samson Ebukam (hamstring), are all listed as questionable. However, none have been declared out, giving Atlanta a healthier roster heading into the game.
Several Saints players who were limited earlier in the week are expected to play. Safety Julian Blackmon, who was limited on Thursday, returned to full practice on Friday and Saturday. Wide receiver Barion Brown, hampered by a hamstring, progressed to full reps on Saturday, restoring a threat in the return game. Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. is fully available after missing time with a shoulder injury. Defensive tackles Davon Godchaux and Christen Miller are also set to play, with Miller returning from a toe injury. Cornerback Jayden Price, despite a late practice injury, is expected to suit up.
Veteran defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd, who received a rest day on Saturday, will also be available. Tight end Treyton Welch, who missed Saturday’s practice for personal reasons, is expected to play.
The Falcons’ injury list includes linebacker Kendal Daniels (Achilles), left tackle Jake Matthews, defensive end Za’Darius Smith, and right tackle Jawaan Taylor, all listed as available after rest days.
On the Saints’ injured reserve, several players remain sidelined for the season, including defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, running back Ty Chandler, and cornerbacks David Long Jr. and Rejzohn Wright. Linebacker Jaylan Ford and rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson are eligible to return after missing at least four games but have not been activated. Rookie safety Lorenzo Style Jr. can return from IR but has not yet been designated to do so.
Running back Travis Etienne Jr. and long snapper Zach Wood are expected back later this season. Left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is unlikely to return before December. Offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri is on the season-ending physically unable to perform list, while wide receiver Mason Tipton is eligible to return after missing four games.
The Saints’ defensive injuries pose a fresh challenge as they prepare to face a Falcons team reporting no confirmed outs. How New Orleans adjusts to the absence of Granderson, Jennings, and Elliss will be crucial in Monday night’s game. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s near-full-strength lineup offers them an opportunity to exploit the Saints’ depleted front seven.
According to Yahoo Sports.
