Kaden Elliss left the New Orleans Saints for the Atlanta Falcons then left the Falcons to return to the Saints three years later, but his revenge game is in question, as he's missed the first two days of practice this week with a calf injury. To make matters worse, Bijan Robinson is coming to town, and Elliss isn't the only linebacker out with an injury. Pete Werner has also yet to return to practice after leaving last week's loss.
Both linebackers were DNP's on Thursday and didn't see their status change on Friday. It's definitely concerning, but we'll hold off until Saturday's practice before we ring the alarm. If both players once again don't participate in practice, it's time to start looking at backup plans, and that puts them at an instant disadvantage.
The Saints are in a good position to replace Elliss or Werner. They're in a unique position of having a third linebacker they view as a starter in Danny Stutsman. He could step in for either, but the problem comes if the Saints have to replace Elliss AND Werner.
Losing Kaden Elliss would be a major blow for Saints defense, especially against Bijan Robinson
Elliss is the bigger blow for the team in a couple of different ways. For one, he's the better player, and also, the more versatile player. Lastly, replacing Elliss would force either Werner or Stutsman to play out of position to replace him.
Elliss has been as advertised since returning to New Orleans as a free agent this offseason. He's been strong in the run game and been a productive pass rusher as a blitzer. Some of the plays don't translate to the stat sheet, but Elliss has been one of the more attacking players on the defense.
Against Robinson, Elliss' agression can be one of the biggest keys to stopping the running back. Elliss shoots gaps and often takes running lanes away, even if it doesn't result in a tackle by Elliss each time.
Earlier this week, we laid out how being a better tackling team is paramount to slowing down Robinson. That hasn't been an issue for Elliss. The linebacker has been one of the most sure tacklers in the league through three games.
Elliss has yet to miss a tackle this year, per Pro Football Focus. His 18 solo tackles without a miss are second to only Saints STAR Jonas Sanker's 19 solo tackles without a miss.
The explosiveness of Elliss and strong tackling are two of the biggest threats to Robinson's big play ability. It'll be much tougher to stop the Atlanta rushing attack without Elliss in the mix. Add in the injury to Werner and it feels like a near impossible task.
Any team having to face Robinson, or any rusher of that caliber, without both of their starting linebackers is handicapped from the first snap. Losing Elliss would be the biggest blow, and playing without Werner would sting with the type of season he's having, but the Saints are in for a long day if they are tasked with stopping Robinson without eiither linebacker.
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