The New Orleans Saints will have another round of "next man up" players when they host the New York Jets in Week 16.
Head coach Kellen Moore has already ruled out RB Devin Neal (hamstring) and WR Devaughn Vele (shoulder), with both players leaving early during the Week 15 win over the Panthers. Those absences will likely mean another heavy workload for Audric Estime and Evan Hull at the RB spot, and likely another callup for WR Kevin Austin Jr.
Here's how the Saints' initial injury report broke down:
LP = limited participation; FP = full participation; DNP = did not participate
- RB Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle): DNP
- RB Devin Neal (hamstring): DNP
- OT Asim Richards (ankle): DNP
- RG Cesar Ruiz (ankle): DNP
- WR Devaughn Vele (shoulder): DNP
- S Justin Reid (knee): LP
- DT Nathan Shepherd (ankle/knee): LP
- QB Tyler Shough (hip): FP
In all there were five players held out of practice, including RG Cesar Ruiz (ankle). He was replaced by William Sherman in Week 15 and that would likely be the case again if Ruiz misses his second game of the year.
Alvin Kamara continued to be absent, though Moore indicated he is still expected back at some point this year. Safety Justin Reid also continued to practice in a limited capacity. QB Tyler Shough landed on the injury report for the first time this year with a hip issue stemming from a hit suffered against the Panthers, but he was a full participant and said he did not anticipate any issues going forward.
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The Jets had a lengthy injury report of their own, with four players listed as DNPs on their estimated injury report. New York held a walkthrough on Wednesday.
- S Tony Adams (groin): DNP
- LB Kiko Mauigoa (neck): DNP
- TE Mason Taylor (neck): DNP
- DL Eric Watts (concussion): DNP
- QB Justin Fields (knee): LP
- QB Tyrod Taylor (groin): LP
- RB Breece Hall (knee): FP
- DE Jermaine Johnson II (neck/calf): FP
- OL Josh Myers (ankle): FP
- OL Xavier Newman (knee): FP
- OL Joe Tippmann (ankle): FP
- DL Jay Tufele (shin): FP
The two most important players to watch will be the two quarterbacks in Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor, neither of whom was available to play a week ago with New York starting UDFA Brady Cook in a 48-20 loss to the Jaguars.
The Saints (4-10) host the Jets (3-11) at noon, Sunday inside the Caesars Superdome. Catch all the action on WWL and Audacy.