The New Orleans Saints have only gotten good news on their Week 8 injury report to this point, something that hasn't been the case often during their 2024 season.
Four key players were upgraded on Thursday, including WR Chris Olave (concussion), RG Cesar Ruiz (knee), TE Taysom Hill (rib) and center Connor McGovern (back). For Olave getting through a full practice is a sign that he has progressed in the concussion protocol, but he still has to be cleared by an independent neurologist before he can return.
Here's how the Saints' initial injury report broke down on Wednesday:
- LP = limited participation; FP = full participation; DNP = did not participate
- QB Derek Carr (oblique): DNP | DNP
- G Nick Saldiveri (shoulder): DNP | DNP
- RG Cesar Ruiz (knee): LP | FP
- C/G Lucas Patrick (chest): LP | LP
- LB Pete Werner (hamstring): LP | LP
- C Connor McGovern (back): LP | FP
- WR Chris Olave (concussion): LP | FP
- DT Khalen Saunders (back): LP | LP
- TE Taysom Hill (rib): LP | FP
- RB Alvin Kamara (hand/rib): LP | LP
- WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. (hip): LP | DNP
- TE Juwan Johnson (shoulder): LP | LP
- CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring): FP | FP
- QB Spencer Rattler (hip): FP | FP
The Saints will also, barring a setback, be getting Ruiz on the field for the first time since a Week 3 loss to the Eagles, during which he suffered a knee injury that he described as "weird." He didn't realize he had suffered the injury when it happened, and the rehab process has been extensive.
Hill's absence since midway through a Week 4 loss to the Falcons has been notable as well, with the team's rushing failing to accomplish much through the last three games of their current 5-game skid.
QB Derek Carr (oblique) has still not returned to practice and will almost certainly not play on Sunday against the Chargers. LG Nick Saldiveri also missed the first two days of practice with a shoulder injury, though it's likely the Saints would turn to Lucas Patrick in that role, where the veteran started the season before an injury to center Erik McCoy muddled up the rotation. Patrick (chest) has gotten in limited work over the first two days of practice and his status will be one to watch. He was active as an emergency option in Week 7.
L.A. faces big questions of its own heading into the matchup on a short week, with five players missing practice for a second day. TE Hayden Hurst was the only Chargers player to return on Thursday.
Here's how the Chargers' side of the injury report broke down:
- WR Derius Davis (hamstring): DNP | DNP
- TE Will Dissly (shoulder): DNP | DNP
- TE Hayden Hurst (groin): DNP | LP
- WR Ladd McConkey (hip): DNP | DNP
- LB Denzel Perryman (toe): DNP | DNP
- WR Quenton Johnston (ankle): DNP | DNP
- OLB Joey Bosa (hip): LP | LP
- WR DJ Chark (groin): LP | LP
- CB Kristian Fulton (hamstring): LP | LP
- OLB Khalil Mack (rest): LP | FP
- Ja'Sir Taylor (fibula): LP | LP
The Saints (2-5) visit the Chargers (3-3) Sunday afternoon at SoFi Stadium. Catch all the action on WWL and Audacy.
