Saints’ running back depth tested after Travis Etienne Jr. placed on injured reserve
The New Orleans Saints placed running back Travis Etienne Jr. on injured reserve Thursday, a move that immediately tested the teams depth at the position, the club announced. The transaction leaves Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller and undrafted rookie C.J. Donaldson as the primary options on the active roster. Zamir White remains on the Saints’ practice squad, and Ulysses Bentley IV was signed to the practice squad Thursday. The Saints (1-2) will host the Atlanta Falcons (1-2) on Monday night in the Caesars Superdome.
Coach Kellen Moore emphasized the value of having multiple backs available during a season. “Fortunate for us, we have some guys who have played some football,” Moore said. “Very few times in this league is one running back going to haul the load.” He said he expects Kamara and Miller to handle an increased workload and that C.J. Donaldson has found a specific role.
Kamara ran for 36 yards on nine carries and caught a 5-yard pass in New Orleans’ 35-27 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in rushing yards (7,301), rushing touchdowns (61), total touchdowns (87), yards from scrimmage (12,198) and all-purpose yards (12,856). Entering this season, he had led the Saints in rushing seven straight years. He ranks third on the team this year with 51 yards on 18 carries, according to the club.
Ty Chandler opened the season on injured reserve. The Saints released Devin Neal and Audric Estime with injury settlements, and the players signed with the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad Wednesday. Both Neal and Estime played meaningful snaps last season. Undrafted rookie C.J. Donaldson has carved out a short-yardage role, has four carries for 11 yards and has drawn praise for his pass protection.
With Etienne going on injured reserve, the Saints promoted receiver Kevin Austin Jr. from the practice squad to the active roster. The club also added edge rusher David Ojabo and signed Ulysses Bentley IV to the practice squad Thursday. Those additions provide depth as the Saints prepare for Monday night. The active backfield now centers on Kamara, Miller and Donaldson with practice-squad support available.
Edges Carl Granderson (ankle) and Anfernee Jennings (knee) and linebackers Pete Werner (shoulder) and Kaden Elliss (calf) did not practice Thursday, the team said. Their absences created additional depth questions for New Orleans as it balances injuries across several positions. The club will rely on available veterans and practice-squad elevations to navigate the next few weeks.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Placing Travis Etienne Jr. on injured reserve removes a planned complementary runner and increases reliance on Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller. C.J. Donaldson is likely to provide short-yardage work and pass protection, roles he already has begun to fill. The Saints structured their camp roster anticipating multiple backs would be required, and the mix of veterans and practice-squad elevations should allow New Orleans to navigate the near term. The club’s ability to sustain a balanced attack will hinge on Kamara handling a larger role efficiently and on younger backs adding value in specialty situations.