Running back Travis Etienne Jr. has returned to practice for the New Orleans Saints ahead of a Sunday division game against the Carolina Panthers.
Saints Open Practice Window for Etienne
Etienne has been sidelined since Week 3 due to a hamstring injury sustained against the Las Vegas Raiders. The team placed him on injured reserve in October, missing five games before returning to practice on Wednesday. New Orleans now has a three-week window to evaluate his readiness and activate the running back from injured reserve.
Travis Etienne was practicing today
Before his injury, Etienne recorded 128 rushing yards on 30 carries across three appearances. He also caught 11 passes for 51 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry in his first season with the franchise following a free-agent signing this offseason.
It was good to get Trav back out there, get him in pads, always good for these guys just to get into football and we’ll just let the week play itself out and see how it looks.
Kellen Moore, head coach
Kellen Moore Monitors Running Back Status for Divisional Matchup
Head coach Kellen Moore maintained a cautious stance regarding whether the running back will suit up for the upcoming divisional matchup. The team plans to gather more information before making a final decision as the week progresses.
Etienne Jr. back at practice 🫡@swaggy_t1 pic.twitter.com/2J29Rv9dSU
We’ll see. There’s some potential for it. But … we’ll just let the week kind of play out and see what it looks like.
Kellen Moore, head coach
Etienne’s impending return alters the offensive rotation alongside Alvin Kamara and waiver wire addition Audric Estime. Estime recently led the team with 72 rushing yards in an overtime victory against the Cleveland Browns, while Kamara continues to deal with a back injury that kept him out of Wednesday's practice session.
Offensive Line Adjustments for Week 10
The Saints face Carolina at the Caesars Superdome with both teams holding identical 3-5 records. The winner secures sole possession of first place in the NFC South division.
Blocking for the backfield will feature a reconfigured offensive line. Center Erik McCoy is expected to miss time with a biceps injury sustained against Cleveland. Cesar Ruiz will play center, while rookie Jeremiah Wright steps into the starting right guard role.
Ten New Orleans Players Appear on Wednesday Injury Report
The Wednesday injury report for New Orleans listed ten players under various participation levels. Offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. (ankle), guard David Edwards (knee), cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (shin), tight end Noah Fant (back), and defensive lineman Christen Miller (knee) were all listed as limited participants alongside Etienne.
Running back C.J. Donaldson did not participate due to a shoulder injury, and offensive tackle Asim Richards was a full participant with a thumb injury.
On the opposing sideline, the Carolina Panthers conducted a walkthrough on Wednesday, generating an estimation report.
Panthers players listed included running back Jonathon Brooks (groin), guard Brady Christensen (hamstring), running back Trevor Etienne (ankle), defensive tackle Lee Hunter (calf), cornerback Mike Jackson (groin), cornerback Will Lee III (hamstring), wide receiver Xavier Legette (knee), guard Damien Lewis (knee), linebacker Jaelan Phillips (hamstring), and offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins III (ankle) as full participants. Running back Chuba Hubbard (NIR-rest) and linebacker Bobby Okereke (foot) did not participate.
Etienne's contract details show the high expectations the franchise placed on him when he joined the club. After entering the league as a first-round selection with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where the team exercised his fifth-year option, he reached free agency and secured a four-year contract with New Orleans.
Kellen Moore said the Saints will decide at the end of the week if Travis Etienne is ready to play in his first week back: "We’ll see. There’s some potential for it. But … we'll just let the week kind of play out and see what it looks like." https://t.co/EKEA0eYiUl
