The New Orleans Saints’ initial Week 5 injury report is here for their Monday Night Football matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, and it does not look outstanding, as many players missed practice to start the week. On a week where the Saints get an extra day of rest, we will see who travels to Arrowhead Stadium and is available, but here is how things stacked up on Thursday.
First off, the did not participate group, which includes Willie Gay (hand), Taysom Hill (rib), Cesar Ruiz (knee), Shane Lemieux (ankle), Payton Turner (knee), and Blake Grupe (right hip). Hill and Ruiz were the lone residual players from last week, as Hill has broken ribs and Ruiz is dealing with a knee issue. The remaining four were injuries sustained during the Week 4 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. Both Ruiz and Lemieux being out would be a tough blow, especially without Erik McCoy around, so we will see how things progress there specifically, as well as with the kicker spot which would be intriguing, as it could result in a Charlie Smyth debut.
Next up the Saints had six limited players, Taliese Fuaga (back), Alvin Kamara (hip/ribs), A.T. Perry (hamstring), Juwan Johnson (forearm), Bryan Bresee (ankle), and Kendre Miller (hamstring). Out of this group, none of these initially are that concerning, as some are residual and have been played through, though the return of Kendre Miller and addition of Juwan Johnson are both worth keeping an eye on in the coming days.
As for full practice participants, Chris Olave (hamstring) and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (ankle) both practiced without limitations, which is a good sign for a wide receiver corps that has been dealing with injuries for a little bit. Olave took a few tough shots in Week 4, so seeing him be good to go for full practice Thursday is promising.
Here is the full initial injury report for both teams:
