The New Orleans Saints entered Week 4 with some rough injuries, and a few situations only got worse in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons.
New Orleans entered the matchup without Demario Davis at linebacker for the first time in years. If this wasn’t a big enough blow to the linebacker corps, Willie Gay Jr. was ruled out during the game with a hand injury. This is the second time Gay has left early with an injury this season.
D’Marco Jackson then filled in for Gay, with Anfernee Orji playing as the team’s strongside linebacker.
Taysom Hill also exited the game with an abdomen injury. Hill returned to the lineup after missing the Saints game versus the Dallas Cowboys a week ago due to a chest injury, which was later reported to be a bruised lung.
Hill was the Saints’ best offensive weapon through the first half. He was responsible for New Orleans’ first two touchdowns. This production is typical of him against the Falcons, so his absence was definitely felt.
Beyond just the opponent, Hill adds dimensions to the offense that are sorely missed in his absence. He is the second best rushing threat for New Orleans and a key part of the Saints short-yardage offense.
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