The New Orleans Saints head into their Week 7 Thursday Night Football against the Denver Broncos with an injury report the length of a CVS receipt. Unfortunately, many of their most important skill position players have been impacted the most.
Below is the very latest after their final practice on Wednesday afternoon. Be sure to check the Saints vs. Broncos Week 7 inactives for the very latest ahead of kickoff.
If you’re wondering who to start in fantasy football because of the injuries to Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, head over to our Week 7 Saints WR Start or Sit article for the latest advice and projections for Bub Means, Cedrick Wilson Jr., and Mason Tipton.
Alvin Kamara, RB
Week 7 status: PLAYING
Alvin Kamara (hand) managed limited practices all week and will be available for the Saints’ TNF matchup against the Broncos.
Kamara will have to make hay in a Spencer Rattler-led offense, but he turned in an RB17 performance with the rookie under center in Week 6. With Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed both sitting out Week 7, Kamara should be in line for a massive pass-catching role.
While Denver boasts one of the league’s best defenses, they’re in the middle of the pack guarding against receiving running backs.
Chris Olave, WR
Week 7 status: OUT
Chris Olave took a helmet-to-helmet hit while catching a pass in the first quarter. He was drilled by Buccaneers defensive back Zyon McCollum, leading to a fumble that was recovered for a touchdown by Antoine Winfield Jr.
The play was reviewed and upheld as a touchdown, but that was the least of the Saints’ issues, as Olave was diagnosed with a concussion. He hasn’t practiced this week and won’t play in Week 7.
Fellow New Orleans WR Rashid Shaheed (knee) won’t play, either. Spencer Rattler will have to lean on rookies Bub Means, Mason Tipton, and journeyman Cedrick Wilson Jr. as his primary receivers against Denver.
The Saints’ only saving grace? Broncos superstar cornerback Patrick Surtain II has a concussion and won’t suit up for Thursday night’s matchup.
Derek Carr, QB
Week 7 status: DOUBTFUL
Derek Carr was always expected to miss multiple games after suffering an oblique injury near the end of the Saints’ Week 5 loss to the Chiefs. Carr didn’t play in Week 6 and — with New Orleans facing a short turnaround ahead of Thursday Night Football in Week 7 — is unlikely to play against the Broncos this week.
Carr isn’t practicing, leaving fifth-round rookie Spencer Rattler as the Saints’ likely starter on TNF. The South Carolina alum completed 22 of 40 attempts for 243 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in a Week 6 loss to the Buccaneers. Rattler added four carries for 27 yards on the ground while fumbling once.
He won’t be a recommended fantasy start against a Denver defense that ranks No. 2 in EPA per dropback, especially given that many of the Saints’ offensive weapons might not play on Thursday night.
Rashid Shaheed, WR
Week 7 status: OUT
Although Rashid Shaheed played 80% of the Saints’ offensive snaps and garnered seven targets in Week 6, he’s now battling a knee injury that NFL Network described as “concerning.”
On Wednesday, head coach Dennis Allen told reporters that Shaheed will require surgery for a meniscus injury. He’ll travel to Los Angeles for a procedure and could be placed on injured reserve.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Shaheed’s operation will determine whether he’ll miss multiple weeks or be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Fellow New Orleans WR Chris Olave (concussion) won’t play, either. Spencer Rattler will have to lean on rookies Bub Means, Mason Tipton, and journeyman Cedrick Wilson Jr. as his primary receivers against Denver.
The Saints’ only saving grace? Broncos superstar cornerback Patrick Surtain II has a concussion and won’t suit up for Thursday night’s matchup.