The New Orleans Saints find themselves navigating a challenging landscape on the injury front against the New England Patriots. Eleven Saints players were featured on Thursday’s Injury Report, providing a glimpse into the hurdles they must overcome as they look to improve their 2-2 record during the 2023 NFL season.
New Orleans Saints:
TE Juwan Johnson: Calf injury – Did Not Participate (DNP) on Wednesday and Thursday.
S Lonnie Johnson Jr.: Hamstring injury – DNP on both Wednesday and Thursday.
G Andrus Peat: Concussion – Sidelined with no participation on Wednesday and Thursday.
T Ryan Ramczyk: Foot injury – Did Not Participate on Wednesday but was Limited Participation (LP) on Thursday.
DT Bryan Bresee: Illness – Missed practice on Wednesday but returned with Full Participation (FP) on Thursday.
CB Paulson Adebo: Hamstring injury – Limited Participation on both Wednesday and Thursday.
QB Derek Carr: Right Shoulder issue – Limited Participation in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday.
G Erik McCoy: Knee injury – Limited Participation on Wednesday and Full Participation on Thursday.
TE Foster Moreau: Ankle injury – Full Participation in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday.
S Jordan Howden: Finger injury – Fully Participated in practice on both days.
T Landon Young: Hip injury – Limited Participation on Thursday.
The Saints’ injury report presents a mix of significant concerns, especially in their offensive and defensive lines. With key contributors like Juwan Johnson, Lonnie Johnson Jr., and Andrus Peat sidelined, the Saints will need to rely on depth and adaptability to face a challenging New England Patriots team.
On a positive note, Bryan Bresee‘s return from illness and the progression of several other players to full or limited participation may provide some relief as they head into the critical Week 5 matchup.
New England Patriots:
The New England Patriots also have their share of injury concerns leading into this matchup. Here is the Patriots’ Thursday Injury Report:
CB Christian Gonzalez: Shoulder injury – Did Not Participate on both Wednesday and Thursday.
LB Matthew Judon: Elbow injury – Missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday.
DL Christian Barmore: Knee issue – Limited Participation on both Wednesday and Thursday.
DB Cody Davis: Knee injury – Limited Participation in practice on both Wednesday and Thursday.
DL Trey Flowers: Foot injury – Limited Participation on both Wednesday and Thursday.
DL Davon Godchaux: Ankle injury – Limited Participation on both Wednesday and Thursday.
CB Jonathan Jones: Ankle injury – Limited Participation on both Wednesday and Thursday.
RB Ty Montgomery: Illness – Limited Participation on both Wednesday and Thursday.
OL Riley Reiff: Knee injury – Limited Participation on both Wednesday and Thursday.
RB Rhamondre Stevenson: Thigh injury – Limited Participation on both Wednesday and Thursday.
G Cole Strange: Knee injury – Limited Participation on both Wednesday and Thursday.
CB Shaun Wade: Shoulder injury – Limited Participation on both Wednesday and Thursday.
The Patriots are also dealing with a slew of injuries, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, which could potentially create opportunities for the Saints’ offense to exploit.
In other news, New Orleans Saints Offensive Coordinator Pete Carmichael acknowledged the team’s offensive struggles and took full responsibility for their lackluster performance. With the Saints’ offense averaging just 15.5 points per game and facing challenges in the red zone, Carmichael emphasized the need for improvement. He expressed his intention to focus on better play calling, sustaining drives, and incorporating more pre-snap player movement to keep defenses guessing.
Carmichael’s confidence in his ability to lead the offense to success remains unwavering, given his extensive experience with the team since 2006. As the Saints look to bounce back against the New England Patriots, the spotlight will be on Carmichael’s adjustments and the team’s ability to overcome their injury hurdles to secure a crucial victory in Week 5.
