Saints missing three starting DB’s on final Saints-Panthers injury report

The New Orleans Saints ruled out Vonn Bell, Marcus Williams and Eli Apple on their final Week 17 injury report against the Carolina Panthers

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The New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers published their final injury report ahead of Week 17’s game, and it carries significant status updates for multiple players on each sideline.

It appears the Saints will kick off on Sunday missing three of their four starting defensive backs. Safeties Vonn Bell and Marcus Williams, and cornerback Eli Apple, are each ruled out while managing different injuries. In their place, fans will likely get an extended look at rookie C.J. Gardner-Johnson and some recently-signed backups like Janoris Jenkins, D.J. Swearinger, and maybe DeShawn Shead.

Here’s everything we learned on Friday’s Saints injury report. Updates from previously-issued reports are denoted with bold text.

From the Saints

  • CB Eli Apple (ankle), Did not participate, Out
  • FS Marcus Williams (groin), Did not participate, Out
  • SS Vonn Bell (knee), Did not participate, Out
  • WR Krishawn Hogan (hamstring), Designated to injured reserve
  • LB Kiko Alonso (quad), Limited
  • FB Zach Line (knee), Limited, Questionable
  • QB Drew Brees (knee), Full
  • WR Michael Thomas (hand), Full
  • DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson (hip/forearm), Full
  • OL Andrus Peat (forearm), Full
  • OL Larry Warford (knee), Full

From the Panthers

  • DT Gerald McCoy (knee), Full
  • WR D.J. Moore (concussion), Did not participate, Out
  • LB Andre Smith (ankle), Full
  • LB Shaq Thompson (foot), Did not participate, Out
  • LB/DE Marquis Haynes (knee), Limited, Questionable
  • LB/DE Brian Burns (shoulder), Full
  • S Tre Boston (shoulder), Full
  • TE Ian Thomas (ankle), Full
  • TE Greg Olsen (knee), Full
  • DT Kyle Love (ankle), Full
  • DT Woodrow Hamilton (illness), Full
  • CB Corn Elder (illness), Questionable

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