by Niles Carpenter/Saints Contributor
In a pivotal game against the Houston Texans, the New Orleans Saints face a few challenges as notable names grace their inactives list. Safety J.T. Gray, whose dynamic plays have always brought a spark to the Saints’ defense, will be conspicuously absent on the field, potentially leaving a gap in the secondary unit’s performance. Another noteworthy absence is tight end Juwan Johnson, whose athletic catches and vital contributions to the offensive unit will be missed.
While the Saints have depth in various positions, navigating through this game without these key players, including safety Lonnie Johnson Jr., quarterback Jake Luton, receiver A.T. Perry, defensive end Kyle Phillips, and offensive lineman Landon Young, demands a recalibration in strategy and heightened performance from the active roster.
The Houston Texans, too, won’t be deploying their full arsenal in the looming gridiron battle against the Saints. Quarterback Case Keenum, a seasoned NFL journeyman, is notably listed among the inactives, along with guard Nick Broeker, potentially affecting the stability of their offensive line and the rhythm of their play executions. The Texans will also miss receiver Tank Dell, whose agility and catching prowess have often been a plus to the team’s passing game.
Without linebacker Denzel Perryman, running back Dare Ogunbowale, and cornerback Tavierre Thomas, both the offensive and defensive squads of the Texans will need to look towards their bench for players to step up and fill the voids left by their sidelined teammates, ensuring a competitive standoff against the Saints. Both teams, albeit hampered by these absences, are anticipated to provide a riveting performance, showcasing the depth and versatility of their rosters.