Who's in, who's out, and who has a chance to play in Monday night's game between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons? We're breaking down the final Week 4 injury report in detail after both teams shared status updates for all of the players receiving treatment this week. It looks like the Saints may have some game-time decisions to consider on Monday, while the Falcons appear to be in good health. Let's see if it makes a difference.
Ruled out with injury
- EDGE Carl Granderson (ankle) didn't practice this week after going down in last Sunday's game, and he won't play against Atlanta. That's a big loss for the defensive front. Granderson is a versatile defender who the team values for his skill to set the edge and drop back in coverage.
- EDGE Anfernee Jennings (knee) couldn't practice this week and he isn't available against the Falcons. He's an underrated run defender out on the edge. Losing both him and Granderson means the Saints are going to ask a lot of Chase Young and Cameron Jordan.
- LB Kaden Elliss (calf) wasn't able to practice this week, and he won't play on Monday. He's a valuable every-down defender who can rush the quarterback and protect the second level, and it'll be very challenging to stop Falcons running back Bijan Robinson without him.
The Falcons did not rule out any players on their injury report.
Questionable to play
- TE Noah Fant (abdomen) was limited throughout the week, and he's officially listed as questionable to play Monday. He's coming off a two-touchdown game and would be missed if he can't dress out.
- LB Pete Werner (shoulder) was unable to practice throughout the week but has a chance to play depending on how he feels in pregame warmups. Werner has stepped up to help replace Demario Davis and would be the team's best shot at containing the Falcons run game.
Atlanta listed three players as questionable for Monday: linebackers Yasir Abdullah (illness) and Divine Deablo (hamstring), as well as defensive end Samson Ebukam (hamstring).
Available for Week 4
- S Julian Blackmon (calf) was limited on Thursday to start the week of practice, but he was full-go on Friday and Saturday.
- WR Barion Brown (hamstring) was limited during practice on both Thursday and Friday but upgraded to full reps on Saturday. Getting him back adds a big threat in the return game.
- CB Martin Emerson Jr. (shoulder) missed most of the last two games with an injury but practiced fully and is ready to go. He's been rotating into games with Quincy Riley at the cornerback spot opposite Kool-Aid McKinstry.
- DT Davon Godchaux (rest) was given his usual veteran day's off on Friday, but he practiced fully on both Thursday and Saturday.
- DT Christen Miller (toe) is set to make his return after missing some time with an injury. He was limited at practice on Thursday and Friday before upgrading to full reps on Saturday.
- CB Jayden Price (ankle) practiced fully until an injury limited him on Saturday, but it's not epxeected to hold him out of the game.
- DT Nathan Shepherd (rest) didn't practice on Saturday while being given a veteran's day off. He'll play on Monday night.
- TE Treyton Welch (personal) missed Saturday's practice while attending to a private matter and is expected to play on Monday.
Falcons players who were listed on the injury report this week and will
be available to play: linebacker Kendal Daniels (Achilles), left tackle Jake Matthews (rest), defensive end Za'Darius Smith (rest), and right tackle Jawaan Taylor (rest).
Injured reserve and PUP lists
As was the case last week, the following Saints players are 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. Long snapper Zach Wood and running back Travis Etienne Jr. are both expected to return later this year but it sounds like we won't see left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. until December at the soonest. 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: Breaking down the final Saints injury report for Week 4 vs. Falcons
