As the New Orleans Saints prepare to host the New York Jets this Sunday(December 21), the final injury report released on Friday (December 19, 2025) reads more like a casualty list than a roster update.1

For a team currently sitting at 4-10 but riding a surprising two-game win streak, these injuries aren't just a hurdle, they are a direct threat to the momentum rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has managed to build.

The Headlines: A Backfield in Crisis

The most devastating blow is the loss of Alvin Kamara. Ruled OUT with a knee/MCL and ankle issue, Kamara remains the heartbeat of this offense. Without him, the Saints aren't just losing a runner, they’re losing their primary driving force for the ground attack.

To make matters worse, the depth chart behind him has been decimated:

Devin Neal (RB): Placed on Injured Reserve (IR) yesterday with a hamstring injury.

Devaughn Vele (WR): The rookie target was also placed on IR today due to a shoulder injury sustained last week.

With both Neal and Vele out for the season, the Saints are effectively asking Shough to win with a "skeleton crew" of playmakers. Expect a heavy dose of Audric Estime and perhaps more creative usage of Taysom Hill to fill the void.

The Final Friday Designations:

• Alvin Kamara | RB | Knee/Ankle | OUT

• Cesar Ruiz | G | Ankle | OUT

• Asim Richards | T | Ankle | OUT

• Nathan Shepherd | DT | Ankle/Knee | Questionable

• Mason Tipton | WR | Illness | Questionable

• Zaire Mitchell-Paden | TE | Knee|  Questionable

Can Tyler Shough Survive the Trenches?

While the loss of Kamara grabs the headlines, the state of the offensive line is arguably more concerning. Ruling out Cesar Ruiz and Asim Richards leaves the right side of the line vulnerable against a Jets defense that, despite their 3-11 record, still possesses a formidable front.

Shough has shown incredible poise and "steadiness" (as Kellen Moore put it) over the last few weeks. However, asking a rookie to operate behind a patchwork line without his best playmaker and a key young receiver (Vele) feels like a recipe for a "rookie wall" moment.

The Silver Lining: The defense remains relatively intact. Justin Reid (Knee) and Taliese Fuaga (Back) appear good to go after being full participants.6 If the Saints are going to move to 5-10, it will have to be a "muddy" win—low scoring, defensive-led, and likely reliant on the newly promoted kicker Charlie Smyth to provide the points.

Final Take

This injury report effectively hurst and dampens this portion of the Saints' late-season surge. It’s now a test of depth and coaching. If Kellen Moore can scheme a victory with this depleted roster, it will say more about the future of this staff than the previous two wins combined.