Saints Week 9 Injury Report: Signs of Hope, but New Orleans Can't Afford Another Setback Against the Browns

The New Orleans Saints are coming out of their Week 8 bye with an opportunity to turn their season around, but Thursday's injury report is a reminder that getting healthy might be just as important as fixing what's happening on the football field.

With the Cleveland Browns coming to Caesars Superdome on Sunday, Nov. 8, the Saints have some encouraging developments involving key offensive players. However, there are also concerns that could complicate head coach Kellen Moore's plans.

According to the Saints' official Thursday injury report, eight players were listed, including running backs Alvin Kamara and CJ Donaldson, offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.

For a New Orleans team sitting at 2-5, this isn't exactly the kind of uncertainty you want coming out of a bye week. But there is reason for optimism.

Let's start with some good news.

Rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. were both limited participants in practice Wednesday and Thursday. Tyson continues working through a hamstring injury, while Banks is dealing with an ankle issue.

Neither has been cleared for Sunday's game, but their participation represents an encouraging development.

For me, Tyson might be one of the most interesting names on this injury report.

The Saints desperately need another offensive weapon who can stretch the field, create separation and give quarterback Tyler Shough another reliable option. Tyson hasn't made his NFL regular-season debut, but his potential could bring a different dimension to Moore's passing attack.

Still, potential doesn't win football games. Production does.

If Tyson isn't physically ready, the Saints shouldn't rush him back just because the offense needs help.

Banks is equally important. New Orleans needs better protection, more consistency along the offensive line and fewer situations where the quarterback is forced to make something happen before a play develops.

Getting Banks back would be a significant step toward accomplishing that.

One of the more concerning developments Thursday involved running back CJ Donaldson.

Donaldson went from limited participation Wednesday to not practicing Thursday because of shoulder and concussion issues. Meanwhile, Kamara improved from not practicing Wednesday to limited participation Thursday while managing a back issue and a veteran rest designation.

That's a mixed bag for a Saints offense that needs its running game to become more dependable.

Kamara remains an important part of what New Orleans wants to accomplish offensively, but the Saints cannot continue asking him to carry so much responsibility without consistent support.

The possible absence of Donaldson would make the backfield rotation even more interesting, especially with Travis Etienne Jr. still working toward a return and Audric Estimé recently joining the roster.

In my opinion, Moore needs to find a way to establish a rushing attack that doesn't depend entirely on Kamara creating something out of nothing.

That means better blocking, smarter play-calling and a commitment to running the football even when the first few attempts aren't successful.

Against Cleveland, balance could make the difference between controlling the game and spending another afternoon playing catch-up.

Defensively, there are encouraging signs.

Safety Justin Reid, who was listed as a full participant Wednesday while dealing with a concussion, was no longer listed with an injury designation Thursday. Defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd also dropped off the report after practicing fully Wednesday despite an illness.

Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. remained limited with a shin injury, while defensive lineman Davon Godchaux missed Thursday's practice for a scheduled rest day.

That's important because the Saints need their defense to help take pressure off an inconsistent offense.

Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson missed practice for the second consecutive day because of a concussion. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins also missed both practices with an elbow injury.

If Watson cannot play, New Orleans could face backup Shedeur Sanders. But the Saints cannot afford to underestimate anyone, especially with their own offensive struggles.

Here's where I stand. The Saints are getting healthier in some important areas, but improved availability alone isn't going to rescue this season.

Moore and his coaching staff must turn those returning players into actual production.

The offensive line needs to protect Shough. The running backs need opportunities to establish a rhythm. And if Tyson finally makes his debut, the coaching staff must put him in situations where he can contribute without asking too much too soon.

New Orleans is only one game out of first place in the NFC South, despite its 2-5 record. That makes Sunday's matchup more important than the standings might suggest.

The Saints have a legitimate opportunity to build momentum against Cleveland before hosting division-leading Carolina the following week.

But first, they must get through Friday's final injury report and make some smart personnel decisions.

Because at this point in the season, the Saints don't need more excuses about who's unavailable.

They need results. And Sunday would be a pretty good time to start delivering them.