The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for a pivotal Week 6 matchup against the Houston Texans, but it’s clear from Wednesday’s injury report that they have some health concerns.
For the Saints:
Tight end Juwan Johnson (calf), safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. (hamstring), fullback Adam Prentice (knee), safety J.T. Gray (hamstring), and tackle Landon Young (hip) did not practice on Wednesday. Tackle Ryan Ramczyk, tight end Jimmy Graham, defensive end Cameron Jordan, wide receiver Chris Olave, and guard/tackle James Hurst were all limited participants. Notably, both Ramczyk and Graham’s limitations were not injury-related but instead were designated for rest. On a brighter note, quarterback Derek Carr (right shoulder), safety Marcus Maye (returning from suspension), and guard Andrus Peat (concussion) were full participants.
Texans’ Injury Woes:
The Texans have their own injury issues, with tackle Laremy Tunsil (knee), cornerback Shaquill Griffin (calf), wide receiver Nathaniel “Tank” Dell (concussion), wide receiver Robert Woods (rest/ribs), and defensive tackle Maliek Collins (abdomen) all missing practice. Linebacker Blake Cashman (wrist), tackle George Fant (hip/shoulder), linebacker Christian Harris (concussion), and guard Shaquille Mason (ankle) were all limited in their participation. The Texans did have some positive news, as wide receiver Noah Brown (groin), tackle Tytus Howard (hand), guard Josh Jones (hand), linebacker Denzel Perryman (hand/wrist), and cornerback Tavierre Thomas (hand) were all full participants.
Kicker Blake Grupe Shines:
In other Saints news, kicker Blake Grupe was recognized as the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his outstanding performance in the Saints’ 34-0 shutout over the Patriots. Grupe was responsible for 10 of the team’s 34 points, hitting two long-distance field goals and all of his extra-point attempts.
It was a risk for the Saints to trade Wil Lutz, their second-highest scorer in franchise history, but Grupe, the young kicker from Notre Dame, has stepped up to the plate. He boasts an impressive 91.7% field goal accuracy rate this season and has been nearly perfect on extra points.
As the Saints prepare for their next game, they’ll hope that their injured players can heal in time, and that their in-form kicker can continue his fine performances. The showdown with the Texans promises to be an intriguing one, with both teams eager to clinch a victory.
Saints Add 3 Players to the practice squad
In a concerted effort to refine their lineup, the New Orleans Saints announced on Wednesday their decision to sign tight end J.P. Holtz, wide receiver Jontre Kirklin, and guard Tommy Kraemer to the practice squad.
Holtz, known for his versatility across various facets of the game, has etched a commendable NFL trajectory. With appearances in 50 games, ten of which he started, Holtz has marked his presence by amassing seven receptions for 91 yards and making 11 crucial stops on coverage. His commitment to the Saints is evident, as, after contributing significantly in 2022, especially in the blocking game and special teams, he re-signed with the team during the 2023 training camp.
The return of wide receiver Jontrae Kirklin, initially signed by the Saints on 8/6/23, further amplifies the team’s receiving talents. As an LSU alumnus, Kirklin brings not only depth to the wide receiver role but also serves as a viable asset on special teams if the situation demands.
Tommy Kraemer‘s re-signing post his waiver clearance is another strategic move by the Saints. Demonstrating his adaptability, Kraemer has been the go-to for the team in providing depth to the offensive line, especially when key starters were unavailable, efficiently handling both guard positions.
