It's official, the New Orleans Saints will be without their starting quarterback and running back for a Week 16 showdown with the Green Bay Packers.
QB Derek Carr (fractured left hand) and RB Alvin Kamara (groin) missed all three days of practice and have been ruled out. Spencer Rattler is expected to start at quarterback, while Kendre Miller, Jamaal Williams and Jordan Mims are expected to shoulder the load in the backfield. The Saints added former Chiefs and LSU standout Clyde Edwards-Helaire this week. Coaches have been complimentary about what they've seen over his three days with the team, but they are still weighing whether to elevate him for Monday NIght Football.
Interim head coach Darren Rizzi is still declining to close the book on Carr's season and noted that his progress the last few days has been encouraging, but he's still not ready to get on the field.
Here's how the final injury report broke down for the Saints ahead of Week 16.
DNP = did not participate; LP = limited participation; FP = full participation
- QB Derek Carr (left hand): DNP | DNP | DNP - out
- RB Alvin Kamara (groin): DNP | DNP | DNP - out
- WR Bub Means (ankle): DNP | DNP | DNP - out
- WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest/illness): DNP | DNP | DNP - questionable
- DE Chase Young (illness): DNP | DNP | FP
- TE Juwan Johnson (foot): LP | LP | FP
- WR Chris Olave (head): LP | LP | LP - out
The Saints only have one player listed as questionable in Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest/illness). MVS has been the Saints' leading receiver since he joined the team in Week 8 and faced a setback this week when he came down with an illness that's been going around the locker room. His status will be one to watch for gameday.
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A bit of bad news comes in the form of WR Bub Means, who had a setback as he attempted to work back from a high ankle sprain suffered in Week 8. The Saints have until Wednesday to decide whether to add him to the active roster, but Rizzi said it's likely that he's reverted to IR for the remainder of the season.
The Packers have several players listed as questionable for the game, here's how the Green Bay injury report broke down on Saturday:
- S Javon Bullard (ankle): DNP | DNP | DNP - out
- LB Quay Walker (ankle): DNP | DNP | DNP - out
- CB Corey Ballentine (knee): LP | LP | FP - questionable
- TE Luke Musgrave (ankle): LP | LP | LP - questionable
- CB Jaire Alexander (knee): FP | FP | FP - questionable
- S Evan Williams (quad): n/a | n/a | LP - questionable
The Saints (5-9) visit the Packers (10-4) for a Monday Night Football showdown at Lambeau Field in Week 16. Catch all the action on WWL and Audacy.