Running back Travis Etienne is already dealing with a hamstring injury, which put him on the Saints’ first injury report as a limited participant in practice this week. This is a tough break for a guy who just signed with the team this offseason, and it’s coming right before a critical Week 3 game against the Raiders.
Etienne’s Early Season Hopes Take a Hit
Man, seeing Etienne on that injury report *already* has to sting for Saints fans. This guy just signed with them this offseason, right? You want to see your big new weapon fully unleashed, especially when he’s only put up 17 carries and 71 yards through the first two games. A hamstring is no joke for a running back. This isn’t just a bump; this could actually slow down his season before it even gets going. Being a “limited participant” means he’s not 100 percent, and with the Raiders coming to town for Week 3, you need all hands on deck. You gotta wonder how much this is going to impact his burst and ability to make those game-changing plays everyone expects from a fresh signing. Early season momentum is everything, and injuries like this can derail it fast.
Young’s Lingering Calf and the Growing Injury List
It’s not just Etienne, either. Defensive end Chase Young is also dealing with a calf injury, which has him listed as a limited participant this week. We saw this last week, too. He was on the injury report and listed as questionable, but he still played in their win over the Ravens last Sunday. The fact that it’s still bothering him and limiting his practice time tells you it might be a persistent issue. You need your defensive front at full strength, especially heading into Week 3.
And the injuries don’t stop there. Wide receiver Barion Brown (hamstring), cornerback Martin Emerson (shoulder), and defensive lineman Christen Miller (toe) didn’t practice at all on Wednesday. Plus, safety Jonas Sanker (knee), defensive end Nathan Shepherd (hip), and linebacker Isaiah Stalbird (shoulder) were also limited alongside Etienne and Young. That’s a lot of key guys dinged up. You can’t just brush off that many injuries this early in the year. How is the team going to prepare when so many players are on restricted duty or out entirely?
This Saints squad needs to be sharp as they get ready for their Week 3 clash with the Raiders. With Etienne, Young, and a handful of other players battling various injuries, the early season health report is looking a little concerning. Can they rally and overcome these setbacks? We’ll find out what this means for their momentum come game day.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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