Despite starting the season at 1-2, the Saints could head into Monday night's matchup with the rival Falcons looking to take sole possession of first place in the NFC South. They'll have to do so without lead running back Travis Etienne for the foreseeable future.
Etienne injured his hamstring in the Saints' Week 3 loss to the Raiders. And though there was some hope that Etienne would be able to avoid an IR stint, Saints coach Kellen Moore had to make the tough call on Thursday.
Etienne will head to injured reserve, forcing him to miss at least four weeks. Depending on how his recovery goes, he'll be eligible to return for the Saints on Nov. 8 against the Browns at the earliest.
Saints placing RB Travis Etienne (hamstring) on injured reserve. pic.twitter.com/n8FkVONuuD
— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2026
What are the Saints' options at running back?
Etienne had been dealing with a hamstring issue even before he aggravated the injury against Las Vegas. So, with Etienne out, the Saints will turn to Alvin Kamara who was already working his way back from an injury himself. Kendre Miller and rookie CJ Donaldson will likely also see action in the backfield.
Kamara's production has taken a dip in recent years, and he's posted an abysmal 2.8 yards per carry in his 18 attempts this season.
The injury to Etienne certainly wasn't what the Saints needed ahead of a divisional matchup.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Travis Etienne injury update: Saints make tough decision on injured running back
