As the New Orleans Saints gear up for their Week 9 confrontation against the Chicago Bears, the team’s injury report has become a focal point for strategists and fans alike. Thursday’s report has revealed concerns that the Saints’ coaching staff will need to address if they are to maintain a competitive edge on the gridiron.
Eight Saints Players Listed on Injury Report
In a detailed rundown from Thursday’s practice, the Saints listed eight players on the injury report. The report is a mixed bag of updates with some players stepping up their participation and others remaining on the sidelines.
Here is the latest from the Saints’ training facility:
Position
Name
Injury
Wednesday
Thursday
LB
Ty Summers
Concussion/Hamstring
DNP
DNP
WR
Lynn Bowden Jr.
Illness
DNP
LP
WR
Michael Thomas
Rest/Illness
LP
FP
G/T
Andrus Peat
Ankle
LP
FP
QB
Taysom Hill
Hip
LP
LP
G/T
James Hurst
Ankle
LP
LP
LB
Demario Davis
Knee
LP
LP
DT
Malcolm Roach
Illness
–
DNP
Linebacker Ty Summers continues to deal with a concussion and a hamstring issue, and has not participated in practice this week, which raises doubts about his availability for the weekend’s game. In contrast, wide receiver Michael Thomas has ramped up his participation, offering a glimmer of hope for the Saints’ offensive lineup.
Bears Battling Their Own Injuries
The Bears are not without their troubles, having several key players sidelined:
Position
Name
Injury
Wednesday
Thursday
G
Nate Davis
Ankle
DNP
DNP
QB
Justin Fields
Right Thumb
DNP
DNP
CB
Terrell Smith
Illness
DNP
DNP
S
Jaquan Brisker
Concussion
DNP
DNP
LB
Tremaine Edmunds
Knee
DNP
DNP
OL
Braxton Jones^
Neck
LP
LP
OL
Lucas Patrick
Back
FP
FP
S
Eddie Jackson
Foot
FP
FP
TE
Marcedes Lewis
Rest
–
DNP
T
Larry Borom
NIR-Personal
–
DNP
Jaylon Smith’s Departure to Raiders
Amidst the injury updates, the Saints’ roster has experienced a shakeup with linebacker Jaylon Smith departing to the Las Vegas Raiders after being signed off the Saints’ practice squad. Smith, a once heralded prospect from Notre Dame, suffered a knee injury that saw his draft stock fall before he eventually made his mark in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, highlighted by a Pro Bowl appearance in 2019.
Despite his Pro Bowl credentials, Saints head coach Dennis Allen expressed that Smith’s role on the team was not cemented, leading to his eventual signing with the Raiders. Smith’s departure underscores the often tumultuous journey of NFL careers, where past accolades offer no guarantees for future success.
Looking Ahead
As the Saints finalize their preparations for Sunday’s matchup, the focus is not just on recovering from injuries but also on adjusting strategies to account for their evolving roster. With both teams facing significant health concerns, the depth and resilience of the squads are poised to be pivotal factors in what promises to be a compelling Week 9 battle.
