The New Orleans Saints may have just secured a gritty win over the Panthers, but the Wednesday, December 17, 2025 injury report served as a cold reminder that victory in the NFL often comes at a steep price. Head coach Kellen Moore didn't mince words: wide receiver Devaughn Vele and running back Devin Neal are officially out for this Sunday’s Week 16 matchup against the New York Jets.

For a Saints offense that has finally started to find its rhythm under rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, these absences aren't just names on a list—they represent a significant identity crisis heading into the final stretch of the season.

The Mid-Range Void: Losing Devaughn Vele

Devaughn Vele has quietly become one of the most reliable security blankets for Tyler Shough. While Chris Olave commands the highlight reels and the double teams, Vele’s ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and win contested balls on third down has been a catalyst for the team’s recent "upset" streak.

With Vele sidelined by a shoulder injury, the Saints lose that physical, mid-range presence. More importantly, it allows the Jets’ secondary to tilt their entire defensive scheme toward neutralizing Olave. If the Saints can’t find a secondary threat to keep the Jets on their toes, Shough’s afternoon in the pocket could get very long, very quickly.

The Backfield Carousel: Life Without Devin Neal

The Devin Neal situation is even more concerning. With Alvin Kamara still battling knee and ankle issues and yet to return to practice, Neal was the bridge keeping the run game afloat. His hamstring injury effectively empties the cupboard of experienced "lead" backs. So, expect Taysom Hill , the Swiss Army Knife to be sharpened. Without Neal or a healthy Kamara, the Saints may have no choice but to use Hill as a primary ball carrier more than they’d like.

The Bottom Line

On paper, a home game against a 3-11 Jets team starting rookie quarterback Brady Cook should be a "get right" game. However, injuries are the great equalizer. The Saints are 4-10 and playing for pride and evaluation, losing two young, ascending talents like Vele and Neal makes that evaluation much harder.

This game will no longer be about "explosive plays." It will be a test of Kellen Moore’s creativity. Can he manufacture a run game with a patchwork backfield? Can he find a way to get Olave open when the defense knows exactly where the ball is going? If the Saints can’t adapt, they risk letting a winnable game slip away, further define a season that has been defined more by the training room than the end zone.