The New Orleans Saints are grappling with injuries yet again, as they add more key players to their already lengthy injury list following a tough 26-8 loss to the Chargers. The defeat marks their sixth consecutive loss, and as if that weren’t enough, they lost critical contributors during the game.
Several players, including WR Rashid Shaheed, CB Paulson Adebo, and C Erik McCoy, remain on injured reserve, with Shaheed and Adebo sidelined for the season. On the upside, players like Taysom Hill, Cesar Ruiz, Lucas Patrick, Chris Olave, and Pete Werner made their return on Sunday, but it didn’t prevent the Saints from suffering a six-game losing streak for the first time in 25 years.
In addition, the Saints saw new injuries pile up during Sunday’s game. Notable among them:
**Juwan Johnson, TE:** Johnson suffered a concussion late in the game, although he has since cleared the concussion protocol. He recorded three catches for 48 yards on Sunday, and fortunately, his injury isn’t expected to impact his availability next week.
**Marshon Lattimore, CB:** Lattimore exited in the third quarter with a hamstring injury on the same leg he injured recently. Given New Orleans’ season-long struggles with lingering soft-tissue injuries, his hamstring issue is concerning. Lattimore, one of New Orleans’ defensive stars, has shut down opponents’ top receivers, allowing only a 55% completion rate. His status may remain uncertain up until game day.
**Bub Means, WR:** Rookie WR Bub Means played through obvious discomfort on Sunday and left the game several times due to a high ankle sprain. This injury could sideline him for several weeks, possibly leading to his placement on injured reserve. Already without Shaheed and with Olave still recovering, the Saints will need more contributions from undrafted rookie Mason Tipton, practice squad player Equanimeous St. Brown, and newly signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
**Kendre Miller, RB:** Running back Kendre Miller left the Chargers game in the third quarter due to a hamstring strain. Although the injury isn’t in the same leg that sidelined him for training camp, it’s yet another setback in a season marred by injuries. Miller has shown bursts of potential but has struggled to stay healthy consistently.
As they face the Panthers next week, the Saints will be closely monitoring the status of these players, especially Lattimore and Miller, in hopes of regaining some stability and returning to winning form.
