New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons: Final Injury Report and Statuses
Oct 19, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Akiem Hicks (76) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Lions defeated the Saints 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The big game, which basically compares to a playoff matchup, is just a few short days away. The New Orleans Saints host the Atlanta Falcons, their most hated rivals, Sunday afternoon in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. It’s going to be physical, it’s going to be hateful and it’s going to leave one of these NFC South competitors in the dust.
A win for the Black and Gold eliminates the possibility of playoff contention for the Dirty Birds. A loss means Sean Payton and company will likely be out as well, unless certain scenarios fall in their favor. As kickoff approaches, the final injury report of the week has been released.
Saints:
OT Terron Armstead (Neck) – Did not practice, Questionable
S Jamarca Sanford (Hamstring) – Did not practice, Questionable
DE Akiem Hicks (Ankle) – Limited, Questionable
Falcons:
G Jon Asamoah (Back) – Did not practice, Questionable
WR Julio Jones ( Hip) – Did not practice, Questionable
S William Moore (Foot) – Limited, Questionable
DB Josh Wilson (Hand) – Full participant, Probable
WR Roddy White (Knee) – Full participant, Probable
WR Harry Douglas (Foot) – Full participant, Probable
Good news for the Saints is that the injury report is thin. Bad news is that I can guarantee Falcons’ WR Julio Jones, who has not practiced all week, will be on the field in full force. New Orleans is up against an elite receiving corps. While Atlanta’s 5-9 record does not show it (defense to blame), they are perfectly capable of putting up some serious points on a Saints defensive unit that is just as bad.
The Black and Gold will need all hands on deck Sunday afternoon and will need to be firing on all cylinders in a likely shooutout between the two NFC South rivals. Terron Armstead will be somebody to monitor — Drew Brees needs his blindside protected by the most athletic person on New Orleans’ offensive line.
We’ll also keep an eye on Jamarca Sanford and Akiem Hicks, who both showed up big against the Chicago Bears Monday night. For Atlanta, we’ll be sure to watch Jon Asamoah and William Moore — getting after QB Matt Ryan on defense and attacking a weak secondary on offense will be crucial.
As the weekend progresses in these days leading up to the big game, we’ll be sure to keep you updated, Who Dat Nation.