New Orleans Saints

Alvin Kamara

RB

Etienne aggravated a hamstring injury during the Saints' Week 3 loss to the Raiders, and the injury is severe enough for him to require a stint on IR. In Etienne's absence, the veteran Kamara figures to take on RB1 duties for New Orleans, a role he carried through the first nine years of his 10-year NFL career. Kendre Miller will see an uptick in backfield snaps behind Kamara, with CJ Donaldson and practice squad members Zamir White and Ulysses Bentley also in the mix for work on offense for as long as Etienne is on the shelf.

Julian Blackmon

S

Blackmon was a limited participant in Thursday's practice. The free safety's ability to practice fully Friday is a great sign that he has recovered from his calf injury. If Blackmon can practice fully again Saturday, he should be able to avoid any injury designation ahead of Monday night's game against the Falcons.

Pete Werner

LB

Werner has been unable to practice since sustaining a neck injury in the Saints' Week 3 loss to the Raiders. If the linebacker cannot practice in any capacity Saturday, the chances he suits up for Monday night's game against the Falcons will be low.

Kaden Elliss

LB

Elliss has now missed consecutive sessions due to a calf injury. The linebacker has one more opportunity to log a limited practice Saturday. If Elliss cannot get on the field for at least one prep session, the odds of the 31-year-old suiting up for Monday night's game against the Falcons are close to zero.

Kendre Miller

RB

Etienne's placement on IR on Thursday comes after the star running back aggravated a hamstring injury during the Saints' Week 3 loss to the Raiders. With Etienne sidelined, Miller and Alvin Kamara figure to operate as the Saints' top running backs moving forward, with undrafted rookie CJ Donaldson also in the mix for backfield work. Miller has 13 carries for 44 yards (3.4 YPC) and a touchdown along with two catches (on three targets) for five yards through two regular-season games.