The New Orleans Saints injury report is concerning and exciting ahead of their crucial Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Since both teams are fighting for top places in the NFC South, both teams’ success will depend on key players availability. In this article, we take a look at the latest news regarding injury issues within the Saints’ roster and how they could compromise their chances against the Greggs on Sunday above.
Injury Overview: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
It isn’t just injuries that have the Saints dealing with a mix that could affect their performance against the Buccaneers. It’s been known for a long time now that Head Coach Dennis Allen and his entire staff are closely monitoring the health of several starters heading into this game.
Key Injuries of Concern
1. Derek Carr (QB)
- Status: Questionable
- Injury: Right shoulder sprain
- Over the last couple weeks, Derek Carr’s been dealing with a shoulder injury. He has been hurt opening up his ability to throw accurately, particularly on big, important third downs and in the red zone. Carr took part in individual drills but sat out team sessions in practice going into Week 6. As with other veterans in Carr, he may still play, but just how much at his best he can play is hazy.
2. Michael Thomas (WR)
- Status: Out
- Injury: Hamstring
- Michael Thomas is again leaving the field because of ongoing injuries. The Saints will have to do so without their top receiver after missing significant time in recent seasons. Thomas sat out practice this week, and his absence renders the receiving corps considerably thinner.
3. Alvin Kamara (RB)
- Status: Probable
- Injury: Ankle
- It had been that running back Alvin Kamara was rehabbing from an ankle injury and has started to look ready. He is expected to play—but not necessarily at his full, explosive self—after limited participation in earlier practices. Kamara’s versatility is essential for the Saints‘ offensive game plan and how effective he can be will have an impact on how they do against a tough Buccaneers’ defence.
4. Tre’Quan Smith (WR)
- Status: Questionable
- Injury: Concussion
- Tre’Quan Smith is in the concussion protocol after leaving his last game with a head injury. He is still uncertain on his availability for the clash with Tampa Bay. If he clears, Smith brings more depth to the receiving unit, and the Saints will be counting on other young players to fill his absence.
5. Marcus Davenport (DE)
- Status: Out
- Injury: Calf
- Saints Davenport will sit out the game with a calf injury. He’s missed in run defence and in pressuring the quarterback. Rodgers could be considered no more than a one-dimensional threat, but New Orleans is going to have to do without one of their premier pass rushers.
Impact on Game Strategy
Key players for the Saints will need to adjust their game plan, and however the Saints go about doing that, they will look to take advantage of the well-timed call from the NFL. If Derek Carr plays, there’s a good chance that experience and familiarity with coach Dennis Allen’s system will come in handy against a fairly competitive Bucs defense. Of course, if he can’t play at full strength and is replaced by backup Jameis Winston, that could be a team that goes more conservative offensively with a run-heavy game plan.
The team will rely more on Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed to make the big plays down the field without Michael Thomas. One reason why the Buccaneers’ defence will have to be stretched is because it will be the performance of their young receiving corps that will create scoring opportunities.
Running Game Takes Center Stage
The Saints will probably look to expand their focus on the running game, with Alvin Kamara likely suiting up. Getting the run going early against Tampa Bay will be crucial if Carr’s injury limits his mobility and passing effectiveness. Even more, Kamara was going to be instrumental in catching passes out of the backfield, creating mismatches against linebackers in coverage.
Buccaneers’ Response to Saints’ Injuries
The Saints’ injury woes will be exploited by the Buccaneers, who will be led by quarterback Baker Mayfield and an electric offense. If they approach the Saints correctly, they can feast on their thin receiver ranks and bleed the ball out of their hands. Tampa Bay’s aggressive pass rush heads into a game in which its defence will be eyeing opportunities to put hurt on a potentially vulnerable Saints offensive line.
Defensive Adjustments
Tampa Bay’s defensive coordinator will almost certainly craft a game plan aimed at targeting the injuries on the Saints’ roster. Should Carr struggle, then the Buccaneers will dial up blitzes to try and make him make quick decisions he can’t afford and make the most out of his occasional mistakes. The game hinges on Carr’s injury too: If he can return and merely tread water in the game, he was still on paper the best player on the field.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead to Week 6
Injuries have no impact when it comes to finalising preparations for the Saints’ Week 6 showdown with the Buccaneers. Saints coaching staff need contingency plans if key players’ statuses are in the balance. The winner of this pivotal matchup could be huge for both teams in the chase for NFC South playoff football.
Derek Carr becomes an injured quarterback or battle-tested veteran that the Saints will need to rally around to defeat a divisional opponent. The injury report ahead of game time will be on every fan’s mind leading up to this must-win game, with fans hoping to see which players will put on the uniform and make their mark.