While the New Orleans Saints are 5-7 on the year, they’re still in the NFL playoff picture thanks to the struggles of the rest of the NFC South. They’re just a game back of the 6-6 Atlanta Falcons for the division lead. And Sunday’s clash with the 1-11 Carolina Panthers presents them an opportunity to keep pace or possibly catch up. But the team got some unfortunate injury news ahead of that game, with one particular loss seeing quarterback/tight end Taysom Hill ruled out:
In addition to Hill, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is unlikely to play, meaning that quarterback Derek Carr (returning himself from a concussion and rib injury sustained in last week’s loss to the Detroit Lions) won’t have a couple of his normal weapons. Shaheed and Hill are fourth and fifth on the Saints in receptions this season, and second and fifth in receiving yards. Michael Thomas, who’s third in both those categories, is also out with a knee injury. But Chris Olave, the team’s leading receiver with 68 catches for 890 yards, is expected to be able to play despite the flu he’s been battling, as is defensive end Cameron Jordan:
So there are certainly some positives for New Orleans on the injury front as well. But Hill and Shaheed are notable losses, and that may pose further challenges for their passing offense Sunday.
[Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport on Twitter]
About Andrew Bucholtz
Andrew Bucholtz has been covering sports media for Awful Announcing since 2012. He is also a staff writer for The Comeback. His previous work includes time at Yahoo! Sports Canada and Black Press.