New Orleans Saints News

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Juwan Johnson • TE • Saints

Juwan Johnson Could See Expanded Role in New Orleans

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson has been a steady producer for much of the 2025 season, recording 62 receptions for 644 yards and three touchdowns on 84 targets across 14 games. While he may not have explosive upside, the 29-year-old has recorded at least four catches in seven out of his last eight contests. On Friday, the Saints placed wide receiver Devaughn Vele (shoulder) on Injured Reserve, ending his season before the team's Week 16 matchup against the New York Jets. With Vele now out of the picture, Johnson could function as the number two option in the New Orleans passing game alongside star wideout Chris Olave. Johnson has a favorable schedule for the remainder of the fantasy playoffs, as after the Jets in Week 16, he will face the Tennessee Titans in Week 17. Johnson profiles as a borderline fantasy TE1 down the stretch of the season.

2 hours ago

Devaughn Vele • WR • Saints

Devaughn Vele Placed on Injured Reserve

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele (shoulder) has been placed on injured reserve, ending his season before the team's Week 16 matchup with the Jets. Vele suffered the season-ending shoulder injury during the fourth quarter of a Week 15 win over the Panthers and had already been ruled out for Sunday. Vele had established a strong rapport with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, regularly seeing target shares in the high-teens to mid-20s, and his absence should see tight end Juwan Johnson step in as the team's number two pass-catching option behind Chris Olave. Olave, who has seen double-digit targets only once since Shough took over as starter, but has found the endzone in three of his last five games, could once again see the type of heavy volume that defined his early season and is RotoBaller's WR11 for Week 16.

3 hours ago

Alvin Kamara • RB • Saints

Alvin Kamara Not Practicing Friday

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) was not spotted during the open portion of Friday's practice, signifying a near certainty that he will miss his fourth consecutive game. With rookie Devin Neal (hamstring) placed on Injured Reserve earlier this week, the Saints' backfield will now be led by second and third-year runners Audric Estime and Evan Hull. With Neal prematurely exiting the team's Week 15 win over the Panthers, it was Estime who out-snapped and out-touched Hull. Although Hull's calling card coming out of college was his receiving ability, it was also Estime who saw three targets to Hull's zero. It's always risky relying on in-game adjustments to predict how a backfield will be split with a full week of preparation, but Estime appears to be the New Orleans running back with the most value heading into a favorable Week 16 matchup with the Jets. Still, it should come as no surprise if Hull is worked in more as the team's dedicated passing back.

3 hours ago

Tyler Shough • QB • Saints

Tyler Shough Flashing Dual-Threat Upside Heading into Favorable Matchups

Since taking over as his team's starting quarterback in Week 9, New Orleans Saints signal-caller Tyler Shough has shown flashes of production upside. The 26-year-old is averaging 226 passing yards per start and is coming off a 272-yard performance in his team's Week 15 win over the Carolina Panthers. Shough has also shown a willingness to use his legs, as he's collected 127 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 28 attempts over his last four games. The Saints as a team have been far more competitive since he took over under center, posting a 3-3 record with Shough as the starter after opening the season by losing nine out of their first 10 games. New Orleans should have an opportunity to do more damage down the stretch of the season, as they will host the New York Jets in Week 16 before a trip to Tennessee to take on the Titans in Week 17. Shough profiles as a solid fantasy QB2 given the favorable matchups and his recent run of improved play.

7 hours ago

Devin Neal • RB • Saints

Devin Neal Placed on Injured Reserve, Will Not Return in 2025

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that New Orleans Saints rookie running back Devin Neal (hamstring) has been placed on Injured Reserve, ending his 2025 season. Neal suffered a hamstring injury during New Orleans' Week 15 win over the Carolina Panthers. With Saints backs Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) and Kendre Miller (knee) sidelined, Neal has served as his team's RB1 since Week 13. The 22-year-old played well across his two fully healthy starts, recording 153 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 37 touches. With Kamara's return timeline uncertain and Neal and Miller both done for the season, the Saints appear likely to turn to the combination of Audric Estime and Evan Hull for backfield snaps down the stretch of the season. Estime was the more productive of the two backs in Week 15, recording 50 scrimmage yards on six touches. New Orleans will host the New York Jets in Week 16 before traveling to Tennessee to take on the Titans in Week 17.

Yesterday

Alvin Kamara • RB • Saints

Alvin Kamara Remains Absent from Practice on Thursday

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) was among the players ESPN's Katherine Terrell listed as absent from the team's practice on Thursday. The 30-year-old has not practiced or played since suffering a sprained MCL in Week 12, and he could be headed for his fourth straight missed game in Week 16 against the New York Jets. Saints rookie back Devin Neal (hamstring) has been serving as the team's lead back in Kamara's absence, but Neal suffered a hamstring injury in Week 15 and has already been ruled out for Sunday against New York. If Kamara remains sidelined, it appears New Orleans will turn to the combination of Audric Estime and Evan Hull for backfield snaps in Week 16. Estime recorded 50 scrimmage yards on six touches in Week 15 and could be the best option from the Saints for fantasy managers to pick up on the waiver wire.

Yesterday

Evan Hull • RB • Saints

Evan Hull to See Expanded Workload in Week 16?

New Orleans Saints running back Evan Hull could see an expanded workload this week when the Saints host the New York Jets. In three games with the Saints this season, Hull has only had 10 carries for 31 yards, while adding one reception for six yards. However, with Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) still not practicing and rookie Devin Neal (hamstring) already ruled out for Week 16, Hull has a chance to play a significant role this week. After Neal left the game in Week 15, both Hull and second-year back Audric Estime carried the backfield, with Estime playing 39% of the snaps while Hull played 31%. Even if it's a committee in New Orleans, they face a Jets defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to running backs this season. Both backs carry fantasy value this week and are worth monitoring heading into Week 16.

Yesterday

Audric Estime • RB • Saints

Audric Estime Primed for Lead-Back Role in Week 16?

New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime looks set to have a significant role in New Orleans' backfield for the Week 16 matchup at home this Sunday against the visiting New York Jets. Rookie Devin Neal (hamstring) has been ruled out, and veteran Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) has yet to practice since spraining his MCL back in Week 12. After Neal was injured in Sunday's upset win over the Carolina Panthers, Estime and Evan Hull split the backfield work, with Estime carrying the ball three times for 11 yards and catching all three of his targets for 39 yards. Hull had four totes for 12 yards but wasn't involved in the passing game. While Estime is worthy of a waiver-wire pickup going into Week 16's favorable matchup against the Jets, keep in mind that he had just three carries all year going into last week. Additionally, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough will continue to be a factor in the Saints' ground game, as he's had at least six carries in each of his last four starts. At best, Estime will be a low-upside, touchdown-dependent RB3/flex for desperate fantasy managers this weekend if Kamara doesn't return.

Yesterday

Alvin Kamara • RB • Saints

Alvin Kamara Begins Week With DNP

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) was listed as a non-participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to the team's official website. Kamara still has not practiced since spraining his MCL in Week 12. Additionally, rookie Devin Neal injured his hamstring in the Week 15 win over the Carolina Panthers and has already been ruled out for Sunday's game against the visiting New York Jets. It means that if Kamara doesn't make rapid progress over the next two days, Audric Estime and Evan Hull figure to split backfield duties for the Saints in Week 16. The fact that the Saints ruled Neal out so early in the week could be a sign that Kamara is nearing a return, but he will need to return to practice in the next few days. Estime handled 36% of the snaps to Hull's 32% last week and had three carries for 11 yards and three catches for 39 yards. Estime is the better waiver-wire pickup with Neal injured, but at best, he'll profile as a low-upside RB3/flex in fantasy this weekend if Kamara misses another game.

2 days ago

Devaughn Vele • WR • Saints

Devaughn Vele Ruled Out for Week 16

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele (shoulder) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's game against the New York Jets, Sara Palczewski of Louisiana First News reports. Vele has been considered week-to-week after suffering a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter of last week's win over the Carolina Panthers. He caught five of six targets for 69 yards up until that point. The 28-year-old reportedly avoided a major injury, but he could still end up missing the rest of the regular season with only three games remaining. Vele had been establishing a solid connection with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, recording 16 catches for 202 yards and a touchdown over the past three games. His absence will lead to more opportunities for top wideout Chris Olave, in addition to Kevin Austin Jr. and Mason Tipton against the Jets in Week 16.

2 days ago

Devin Neal • RB • Saints

Devin Neal Ruled Out for Sunday

New Orleans Saints rookie running back Devin Neal (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the New York Jets, according to Sara Palczewski of Louisiana First News. Neal left early during the Week 15 win over the Carolina Panthers due to a hamstring injury, and he'll be forced to miss at least one game. The rookie sixth-rounder had started three straight games for the Saints in place of an injured Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) and totaled 32 yards and a touchdown on eight touches before exiting. With Kamara still not practicing on Wednesday, the Saints will rely on the duo of Audric Estime and Evan Hull to lead the backfield. Estime would be the preferred option in fantasy football, having totalled three carries for 11 yards and three catches (three targets) for 39 yards in Neal's absence last week, compared to Hull's four carries for 12 yards. Keep in mind, though, that rookie quarterback Tyler Shough could continue to take away valuable rushing attempts in this Saints offense.

2 days ago

Devaughn Vele • WR • Saints

Devaughn Vele Week-to-Week with Shoulder Injury

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele (shoulder) avoided serious injury to his shoulder, according to Nick Underhill, but he is still considered week-to-week, leaving his availability for the rest of the season in question. Vele exited during the fourth quarter of a Week 15 win over the Panthers, having caught five of six targets to that point for 69 yards. He had formed a notable connection with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough of late, averaging 5.3 catches for 67.3 yards over the past three games while adding a touchdown. With Vele likely unavailable or limited for the duration of the fantasy playoffs, Chris Olave, who has quietly been the WR8 in Half-PPR scoring, should see an abundance of targets against the Jets and Titans, keeping him in must-start territory.

3 days ago

Audric Estime • RB • Saints

Audric Estime Worth a Look on Waivers With Teammate Injured

At least in deeper fantasy football leagues, New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime is worth looking at on waivers going into Week 16 action after rookie RB Devin Neal injured his hamstring in the Week 15 upset win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Estime played a season-high 36% of the offensive snaps and split backfield work with Evan Hull after Neal was injured in the second quarter. The 22-year-old handled three carries for 11 yards and also caught all three of his targets for an additional 39 yards. Hull had just one more carry than Estime and wasn't involved at all in the passing game. Estime could be in play as a deep-league RB3/flex option in a great Week 16 matchup against the New York Jets if both Alvin Kamara (ankle, knee) and Neal are unable to play. Keep in mind that both rookie quarterback Tyler Shough (team-high eight carries on Sunday) and tight end Taysom Hill could take valuable carries away from both Estime and Hull if Kamara and Neal are out this weekend.

3 days ago

Evan Hull • RB • Saints

Evan Hull's Usage Difficult to Trust as Waiver Addition

New Orleans running back Evan Hull was a trending name heading into the Saints' Week 15 matchup with the Panthers, and with Devin Neal (hamstring) exiting the team's upset win with a hamstring issue, his name will likely pop up again this week. Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) was ruled out before Sunday's divisional matchup, while Neal began the week limited by an abdomen issue, leaving Hull and second-year back Audric Estime as the presumptive next in line should Neal miss time. Ultimately, Neal played, and even though he left the game in the first half, Hull saw only a 32% snap share and finished with four total opportunities for 12 yards, leaving him behind Estime in the pecking order. Neal's status will need to be monitored throughout the week, but even if he's forced to miss what would be a favorable Week 16 matchup against the Jets, Hull's infrequent usage to this point makes him very difficult to trust heading into the fantasy semifinals.

4 days ago

Devaughn Vele • WR • Saints

Devaughn Vele Suffers Shoulder Injury in Week 15

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele (shoulder) exited during the fourth quarter of the team's 20-17 win over the Carolina Panthers. Vele left the game due to a shoulder injury after hauling in five catches for 69 yards on six targets. The 28-year-old was spotted after the game with his left arm in a sling, reported by Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football. With Vele in a sling, it will leave his availability in Week 16 against the New York Jets will be up in the air. Vele's status will become clearer when the Saints resume team practice on Wednesday.

4 days ago

Devin Neal • RB • Saints

Devin Neal Ruled Out with Hamstring Injury

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal (hamstring) has been ruled out for the remainder of their Week 15 contest due to a hamstring injury. Neal sustained this injury in the first half. Before exiting, he was able to punch in a rushing score and tally 28 yards on seven attempts. The rookie also brought his lone target for four yards. With Alvin Kamara (knee) on the shelf and Kendre Miller (knee) shut down for this season, Neal has taken over RB1 duties in New Orleans. For the remainder of this contest, fantasy managers should expect Audric Estime and Evan Hull to split the backfield. Managers should keep a close eye on Neal's status during the week, as he would carry RB2 upside in a favorable matchup against the Jets in Week 16.

4 days ago

Devin Neal • RB • Saints

Devin Neal Exits with Hamstring Issue

Per the team, New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal (hamstring) is questionable to return for Sunday's home game against their division rival, the Carolina Panthers. The Kansas native picked up his third straight start in Week 15 with backfield mate Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) sidelined again. However, he'd exit the contest in the first half after picking up 32 total yards and a touchdown on his eight opportunities (one reception). For the time being, teammates Audric Estime and Evan Hull will divvy up the share of backfield touches in his stead. Hull has more total work on the campaign, although Estime has out-carried the former in each of their previous two outings.

5 days ago

Evan Hull • RB • Saints

Evan Hull Not in Play for Week 15

New Orleans Saints running back Evan Hull was a popular waiver add heading into Week 15 following reports of an abdomen issue for rookie Devin Neal (abdomen). Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) has already been ruled out for Sunday, and Neal began the week with limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday. However, Neal was able to return to full participation on Friday and should resume the bellcow role he's carried in each of the last two games. Hull, who has handled a total of nine carries across the previous two games, is no longer worth rostering, and fantasy managers in the playoffs can comfortably drop him to free up the bench spot.

6 days ago

Juwan Johnson • TE • Saints

Juwan Johnson Looks to Bounce Back Against Panthers

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson caught all four of his targets for 38 yards in Week 14's victory over the Buccaneers. His receptions led the team, and he has now recorded at least four catches or a touchdown in each of his last seven contests. Over his last three games, Johnson ranks as the fourth-most-targeted tight end in the league and has consistently dominated the Saints' tight end room in snap share. However, with the offense leaning more toward the run in Week 14, his snap count dropped to 53%, the second-lowest mark of the season. His lowest snap share came in Week 10 against the Panthers, when he also posted a career-best 92 yards and a touchdown. Expect Johnson to bounce back this week.

6 days ago

Devaughn Vele • WR • Saints

Devaughn Vele Looks to Build on Recent Success Against Panthers

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele recorded three receptions for 40 yards on five targets in the Week 14 victory against the Buccaneers. Both his targets and yardage led the team, as Vele has continued to carve out a larger role in the offense since Rashid Shaheed's departure. Over his last three games, he has totaled 14 receptions for 170 yards and one touchdown, averaging 12.1 yards per catch. He has also led the team in snap share each of the past three weeks, including 93% last week. Despite his increased role, Vele remains a risky option given the overall inconsistencies of the Saints' offense. He has the opportunity to produce a solid fantasy performance each week, but his floor is low, making him a weekly WR3/WR4 with matchup-dependent upside.

6 days ago

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