Who is trending in the right or wrong direction for Sunday?
Friday's injury report gives valuable insight into who will or will not suit up for Sunday's game. New Orleans and Atlanta released their Friday injury report with some surprises.
Brandin Cooks is out after an issue with his release. Technically, Cooks is on the roster, but the team is still working towards waiving the veteran. Tackle Tailese Fuaga and running back Alvin Kamara logged limited practices on Friday, but both are likely to suit up. Tackle Barry Wesley is still on injured reserve, but he did log three straight full practices, which hints that the Saints will activate him before Sunday.
Atlanta's injury report reads like a laundry list. Quarterback Michael Penix is out for the season with an ACL injury, and star wide receiver Drake London is out with a PCL injury. Defensive tackle Zach Harrison is out, along with cornerback Billy Bowman, who suffered an Achilles injury. Offensive linemen Chris Lindstrom and Matthew Bergeron are both listed as questionable, but Bergeron should play after logging a full practice on Friday. Lindstrom started the week with a DNP, but two consecutive limited sessions suggest he may go on Sunday.
Linebackers Divine Deablo and Malik Verdon are questionable but should be good to go after full participation in Friday's practice. However, Leonard Floyd posted a DNP on Friday, which puts his availability in doubt. It's not out of the question that Floyd plays.
Defensive tackle David Onyemata, tackle Jake Matthews, and linebacker Kaden Elliss all missed Friday's practice, but the reason isn't injury-related for any of the three. Matthews and Elliss rested on Friday, with Onyemata missing practice for personal reasons. Neither of the three has injury designations going into Sunday.
Saints defensive tackle Davon Godchaux missed Thursday's practice with a rest day, but logged a full participation on Friday and has no injury designation for Sunday. Wide receiver Chris Olave and tight end Jake Stoll logged full practices all week and are without an injury designation.
While the Falcons are banged up, the Saints can't overlook Atlanta despite missing their starting quarterback, wide receiver, and others. Kirk Cousins is a veteran quarterback capable of playing steady football, and Atlanta still will rush Tyler Shough ferociously. Kellen Moore's game plan should include screens and running draw plays to slow down the Falcons' pass rush.
Getting Kamara going with his best skill set of catching passes can unlock throws to different levels and give breathing room for the Saints' offense.