The New Orleans Saints won't have starting running back Travis Etienne when they face the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football in Week 4. Saints head coach Kellen Moore said Etienne was headed to the injured reserve list due to a hamstring injury.
The former first-round pick rushed for over 1,000 yards in three of his first four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2022-2025), before signing a four-year, $52 million contract with his hometown Saints in free agency.
Etienne, 27, was expected to provide a boost to the Saints' rushing attack and take pressure off of second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. In three games this season, Etienne has rushed 30 times for 128 yards, while adding 11 catches for 51 receiving yards.
#Saints RB Travis Etienne
will go on Injured Reserve, coach Kellen Moore. He’s dealing with a hamstring injury. pic.twitter.com/kMjQ4mMxZY
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 1, 2026
Without their starting running back, the Saints will look to a familiar face to help them beat a familiar foe.
Alvin Kamara will get the start for the Saints on Monday night and he has plenty of experience in this NFC South rivalry over the last 10 years. Kamara has rushed for 945 yards and four touchdowns in 16 prior games against the Falcons.
The Saints have a few other notable injuries to keep an eye on heading into Week 4. Linebacker Kaden Elliss, who signed with New Orleans in free agency after three years in Atlanta, did not participate in Thursday's practice.
Stay tuned for the full Falcons-Saints Friday injury report for the latest updates ahead for Week 4.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Saints lose starting RB ahead of MNF game vs. Falcons
