The New Orleans Saints got a little beat up last week, bringing the status of some players into question. On Wednesday, it was confirmed that both Devin Neal and Devaughn Vele will miss this week's game.
Neal seemingly got injured when he scored his second career touchdown. Neal running the ball four yards into the end zone against the Carolina Panthers will be the last snap of his rookie year. Thursday he was place on injured reserved.
Vele nearly made it through last Sunday unscathed, however, the wide receiver would leave the game near the end of the third quarter with a shoulder injury. For Vele, this puts all the momentum he's been gaining over the past few games to a sudden halt. He has 19 catches for 239 yards and a touchdown in the last four games. Kellen Moore acknowledged that the timeline was "tight" for a return from either player. Neal has already been ruled out, and Vele could be next
With Devin Neal and Devaughn Vele out, it's time for Audric Estime, Evan Hull, and Kevin Austin Jr.
Audric Estime, a running back who was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, spent the beginning of 2025 on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad. It wasn't until late October that he was released and later signed by the Saints. He hasn't had much action so far in New Orleans, with just six carries for 22 yards since being signed, but Estime still considers himself a three-down back.
"I can play in any kind of offense that's needed," Estime said to the media. "I'm able to catch out of the backfield, and I'm able to play third down and pass protect. I'm definitely a bruising back, but I don't like to put limits on myself and say that's the only thing that's part of my game."
Evan Hull, another running back, is also expected to get more snaps than he has all season on Sunday when the New York Jets come to town. Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2023, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers this past January before being waived at the end of training camp. However, despite having been in the league for two years, Hull still only has 11 carries for 32 yards to his name.
Austin Jr. is a wide receiver that's expected to get some of Vele's snaps while he's gone. He's been with the Saints since last year, when his United Football League (UFL) contract expired. However, like Estime, he has yet to see many snaps in New Orleans, but he has been effective when he gets his chances. Since signing with the team, Austin Jr. has gathered 14 catches for 184 yards (13.1 yards per catch).