Following a loss in Week 9, the New Orleans Saints fired head coach Dennis Allen. Under Allen, the Saints had lost seven straight games, and seemingly had an epic culture collapse. However, general manager Mickey Loomis has maintained the team’s biggest issue this season has been injury.
It certainly has been a major storyline for New Orleans, as several key players have picked up different injuries. Unfortunately, Week 10 isn’t shaping up to be any different, as 13 players appeared on the first injury report of the week.
Saints Week 10 injury report
Player (Position) | Injury | Wednesday’s practice status |
|---|---|---|
Cedrick Wilson Jr. (WR) | Shoulder | Did not practice |
Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB) | Hamstring | Did not practice |
Chris Olave (WR) | Concussion | Did not practice |
Lucas Patrick (OL) | Ankle | Did not practice |
J.T. Gray (DB) | Back | Limited practice |
Rico Payton (CB) | Back | Limited practice |
Jamaal Williams (RB) | Groin | Limited practice |
John Ridgeway III (DT) | Oblique | Limited practice |
Will Harris (S) | Hamstring | Limited practice |
Derek Carr (QB) | Illness | Full practice |
Alvin Kamara (RB) | Hand | Full practice |
Shane Lemieux (OL) | Knee | Full practice |
Nephi Sewell (LB) | Knee | Full practice |
While the injury report is long, it’s not nearly as concerning as some of the reports Saints fans have seen this year. In fact, even with the length, and some key players present, this is one of the most promising injury reports of the year.
The biggest negative is Chris Olave not practicing. However, after he suffered his second concussion in a month on Sunday, this isn’t a surprising development. Kool-Aid McKinstry and Lucas Patrick both missing Wednesday’s practice is also a big deal, as multiple starters from their respective groups are still out, or no longer with the team.
After those four names who didn’t practice, including wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr., the report starts to get more promising. Five guys, including defensive backs Will Harris and Rico Payton, had limited practices. If Harris and Payton are ready in time for Sunday, they’d be a big boost to the secondary.
The best news was near the bottom of the injury report. Although key players Alvin Kamara and Derek Carr were both present, they both had full practices. A full practice on Wednesday typically means a player is on track to play on Sunday, so the Saints will have their starting quarterback and running back in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons.