Etienne Lands on IR
New Orleans Saints place running back Travis Etienne on injured reserve for four games
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Key Points
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Coach Kellen Moore said Etienne did not need surgery, but cautioned that his recovery could take longer than the four-game minimum.
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Etienne is set to miss games against the Falcons, Vikings, Giants and Steelers before becoming eligible to return against Cleveland on Nov. 8.
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Quarterback Tyler Shough said he had confidence in Kamara, Miller and Donaldson, calling them “beasts” and saying he felt there was “not really much of a drop off” without Etienne.
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Alongside signing running back Ulysses Bentley IV to the practice squad, New Orleans promoted wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. to its active roster.
The New Orleans Saints placed running back Travis Etienne Jr. on injured reserve after aggravating a hamstring injury against Las Vegas, sidelining him for at least four games Total Apex Sports. Coach Kellen Moore said Etienne does not need surgery, but cautioned his recovery could stretch beyond the four-game minimum Heavy. Etienne is eligible to return November 8 against Cleveland, but the Saints are preparing for a longer absence.
The injury forces the Saints to lean on Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, and rookie C.J. Donaldson in the backfield Tribune Live. Etienne had recorded 30 carries for 128 yards and 11 receptions through three games. His absence also gives Kamara, a two-time All-Pro, a chance to reestablish himself as a lead back after missing Week 1 with a knee sprain Heavy.
Etienne Misses Four Straight Games Starting This Week
Etienne will miss games against the Falcons, Vikings, Giants, and Steelers before becoming eligible to return Total Apex Sports. The Saints have a bye in Week 8, which falls during his injury window. Moore emphasized the hamstring injury required careful management and that Etienne might need additional time beyond the mandatory four-game absence Heavy.
Kamara Positioned to Lead Saints Backfield
With Etienne sidelined, Alvin Kamara inherits the primary rushing role for New Orleans Heavy. The two-time All-Pro missed the season opener due to a knee sprain but returned to play in recent weeks. Now he has a clear opportunity to prove he can handle lead-back duties. Quarterback Tyler Shough expressed confidence in Kamara, calling him a "beast" Heavy.
Kendre Miller will also see expanded snaps in a complementary role. Rookie C.J. Donaldson figures to handle more specialized assignments. Shough told reporters he felt "not really much of a drop off" in the backfield without Etienne, expressing faith in his running backs' ability to execute Heavy.
Saints Adjust Roster With New Signings
New Orleans signed running back Ulysses Bentley IV to the practice squad as a depth addition Freedom 96.9. The team simultaneously promoted wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. to the active roster Tribune Live. These moves reflect the Saints' attempt to maintain depth across multiple positions while managing Etienne's absence.
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