Injured New Orleans Saints Wait For Outcome Of Rams/Seahawks Game

Going into today’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the Saints couldn’t have possibly thought the struggling Panthers could muster enough gusto to beat the Falcons at home.

New Orleans was lack luster in basically all aspects of the game, and in beating themselves with penalties and turnover’s, allowed the Buccaneers to get out of the dome with a win.

It’s not that their loss has changed anything though as Atlanta trounced Carolina quite easily 31 to 10 to lock up the NFC’s top seed and secure home field advantage.

For the Falcons it’s the first time they have won the NFC South since 2004 when Michael Vick was still heading the franchise.

The Saints, win or lose against the Bucs, would have been no higher than the fifth seed, but they could have at least tried.

It’s debatable that while it would have been nice to win the NFC South for the second straight season that the fifth seed, which guarantees they face the winner of the NFC East, is likely an easier road deeper into the play-offs.

Now all they can do is wait and watch the outcome of tonight’s game when the Rams travel to Qwest Field to take on the Seahawks for the crown of the west.

The Saints have beaten both teams already this season easily at home so they will of course be favored against either regardless of the fact it will be on the road.

Saints players were dropping like flies in today’s game as three different players went out all in the first half.

Already without running back Pierre Thomas (ankle), tight end Jeremy Shockey (groin) and receiver Marques Colston (knee) they lost free safety Malcolm Jenkins, tight end Jimmy Graham and running back Chris Ivory to injury.

First to go down was Jenkins who tweaked his right knee while tackling Buccaneers running back LaGarrette Blount very early on in the first quarter.

Trainers worked with him on the sideline and attempted to put a brace on the knee but he was unable to come back into the game.

Graham was again showcasing why he is the future at tight end for the Saints making several key grabs before coming up with a lame ankle after converting a key third down in the first quarter.

He would return to the game two plays later when Brees connected with him on a four yard touchdown pass and he must have landed awkwardly on the same ankle as he did not return.

Rookie running back Chris Ivory has missed the last two games while nursing a hamstring injury. After rushing for 33 yards on seven carries Ivory left with a foot injury after a short run in the second quarter.

While the Saints may have been playing it safe with all three players no information has been given as to the seriousness of the injuries.

Check out Keith Null’s weekly article about the Saints on NFL.com by clicking here.

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