Saints battle Falcons with a depleted roster, featuring practice squad heroes and backups facing a critical matchup in Atlanta.
The New Orleans Saints head into their season finale this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons with a roster that looks less like an NFL depth chart and more like a triage unit.
While the Saints are riding a late-season surge under Kellen Moore, winning four straight to salvage respectability after a dismal 2-10 start, the final injury report released today suggests that if they want to make it five in a row, they’ll have to do it with "ghosts" and practice squad heroes.
The Heartbreak of the Olave News
The headline of this report isn't just about football, it’s about a scary reality for the team's best playmaker. Chris Olave is OUT, but not for a typical football injury. The discovery of a blood clot in his lung is a sobering reminder of the physical toll these athletes endure. While reports indicate he was caught early and will be fine long-term, his absence is a massive blow.
Olave was on the verge of finishing a career year (100 catches, 1,163 yards). Without him, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough loses his primary security blanket and the only real deep threat remaining on this roster. Along with Olave, three other players are listed as out.
Alvin Kamara | RB | Knee/Ankle | OUT
Bryan Bresee | DT | Knee | OUT
Nathan Shepherd | DT | Ankle/Knee | OUT
Chris Olave | WR | Illness (Blood Clot) | OUT
The Defensive Front is Crumbling
It’s not just the offense. The defensive line, which needs to contain a dangerous Bijan Robinson, will be without its anchors. Bryan Bresee (knee) and Nathan Shepherd (ankle/knee) are both OUT.
The middle of the defense is also a massive question mark. Demario Davis is listed as Questionable with a calf injury. Demario is the soul of this team and in the final game of a non-playoff season, you have to wonder if the risk of a serious tear outweighs the reward of a Week 18 win.
Why This Game Still Matters
On paper, this should be a blowout. The Falcons are fighting for pride (7-9), and the Saints (6-10) are playing with a "Who’s That?" roster.
However, there is something to be said for the culture Kellen Moore has established over the last month. To win four games in December after being left for dead requires a specific kind of "buy-in." If the Saints can somehow pull off a win in Atlanta with a skeleton crew, it won't just be a win over a rival, it will be a definitive statement that the 2026 season will start with a completely different mindset.