We've gotten our hands on the final New Orleans Saints injury report for Week 1's kickoff game with the Detroit Lions, which leads us to a couple of key questions. Who's in? Who's out? And who has a chance to play after managing injuries at practice during the week?
Let's dig in. Here's what you need to know.
Ruled out
- Defensive end Cameron Jordan (hamstring) was preemptively ruled out, which was a big disappointment. He's been sidelined since early August with a hamstring injury that's going to keep him out of the season opener. There's a chance he could return as soon as Week 2, and it's encouraging that the Saints didn't place him on injured reserve to start the season. That means they expect him back no later than Week 4. It’s a good sign that he practiced in a limited basis on Friday.
- Running back Audric Estime (thigh) and rookie tight end Oscar Delp (hamstring) have also been ruled out after not being able to practice this week. We're waiting to see when they can return, but in the meantime the Saints will be leaning on veteran players like Travis Etienne Jr., Kendre Miller, and maybe Alvin Kamara at running back while Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant take point at tight end. Don't be surprised if reinforcements are called up from the practice squad: running backs Zamir White and CJ Donaldson are options, as are tight ends Treyton Welch and Stone Smartt.
Questionable
- Running back Alvin Kamara (knee) is officially questionable for Sunday's matchup after being limited in practice this week, but he did upgrade to full reps on Friday. It's a welcome surprise to see him with a chance to play after his knee injury was initially reported as something that could have landed him on injured reserve to start the season. Etienne figures to take the lion's share of touches, and Miller being healthy means the Saints won't have to rush Kamara into action if he isn't ready. He just needs to maximize his opportunities when they come.
Available
- Just one Saints player was listed on the injury report and should be active without restrictions: veteran nose tackle Davon Godchaux (rest), whose lone absence was not injury-related. Godchaux was given the second day off at practice last season because the Saints rehearsed third down drills and obvious passing situations where he isn't expected to play in real games. That approach has continued this year.
Injured reserve and PUP list
The following Saints players have been placed on injured reserve with season-ending injuries: defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, running back Ty Chandler, cornerback David Long Jr., tight end Moliki Matavao, offensive lineman Dillon Radunz, and cornerback Rejzohn Wright. However, a couple of others have been designated to return after sitting out at least four games: linebacker Jaylan Ford and rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. Rookie safety
Lorenzo Style Jr. is also eligible to return from IR after missing four games but the Saints have not designated him to do so just yet. Offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri is on the season-ending PUP list (physically unable to perform), while wide receiver Mason Tipton is eligible to return after missing four games.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Who's in, who's out, and who has a chance to play in Saints at Lions?
