Travis Etienne's Status Updated Before Saints Clash vs. Carolina Panthers

The New Orleans Saints are 3-5 after Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns in overtime, 23-22. And while New Orleans might have got a spark from running back addition Audric Estime in its rushing attack, the Saints need to improve in consistency on the ground.

One way they may improve is by simply adding one of the NFL's best rushers into their lineup. The Saints have one under contract in Travis Etienne Jr.

Etienne was one of the league's most productive rushers last season, but poor injury luck has prevented him from a breakout season with the New Orleans Saints. That breakout could come soon as the running back prepares to play in his first week back from injury in practice.

Neal Coolong discussed the latest on Etienne's health as the running back prepares to return from injury. Here's what Coolong said on the chances that Etienne could play in the game and how much he could get the football.

"Etienne was limited Wednesday and Thursday before practicing fully Friday, according to NBC Sports. He is still on injured reserve, so the Saints have to activate him by Saturday afternoon for him to play.

Etienne hasn't played since straining his left hamstring in the Week 3 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Coach Kellen Moore said Wednesday that he would let the week play out before deciding. If Etienne does return, New Orleans Football's Nick Underhill expects the Saints to limit his snaps, as they did with rookie receiver Jordyn Tyson in his return from a hamstring injury last week.

Etienne was limited Wednesday and Thursday before practicing fully Friday, according to NBC Sports. He is still on injured reserve, so the Saints have to activate him by Saturday afternoon for him to play."

Would a running back be enough to fix an entirely dysfunctional rushing attack? It worked with a quality backup in Audric Estime on Sunday. If Etienne is anywhere near his usual capacity for performance, the Saints rushing attack could look entirely different.

The Saints may not have a great run blocking line, but a quality running back can find and set up creases that a backup cannot find. That's what the Saints hope to get from Etienne.

New Orleans is not going to have an elite rushing attack this season, but it can certainly get better. Look for the Saints to make strides when their top ball carrier is healthy.