New Orleans Saints News

NFC SOUTH

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.

16 hours ago

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.

16 hours ago

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.

23 hours ago

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

2 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.

3 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.

4 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.

5 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.

5 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.

5 days ago

Chris Olave • WR • Saints

Chris Olave Poised for Bounce-Back Performance Against Panthers

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave recorded three receptions for 30 yards on five targets in the Week 14 win against the Buccaneers. His muted performance was a surprise, given he had recorded at least 54 yards or a touchdown in every other game this season. He now faces the Panthers, against whom he put up a season-high 104 receiving yards and a touchdown in Week 10. Carolina allows the seventh-fewest PPR points per game to receivers, though New Orleans dominated through the air in their first meeting with 282 passing yards. Olave remains the top option in the Saints' passing game and could be in line for a strong bounce-back showing in Week 15. He ranks as a strong WR2 with upside this week.

5 days ago

Devin Neal • RB • Saints

Devin Neal Set to Lead Saints Backfield Against Panthers

New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal rushed 19 times for 70 yards and a touchdown in the Week 14 win against the Buccaneers, adding 14 yards on his lone reception. Neal dominated the New Orleans backfield, playing 71% of the snaps, while the next closest running back, Audric Estime, logged just three carries. He was limited in practice this week with an abdominal injury, but is off the injury report and good to go for Sunday. With Alvin Kamara already ruled out for Week 15 against the Panthers, Neal should continue to carry the bulk of the workload. He faces a Carolina defense allowing the eighth-most PPR points per game to running backs, and he could see added upside if his involvement in the passing game increases.

5 days ago

Tyler Shough • QB • Saints

Tyler Shough Could Be in for Another Solid Week Against Panthers

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough completed 13-of-20 passes for 144 yards and one interception in the Week 14 win over the Buccaneers, doing most of his damage as a runner. Shough turned in a career-best rushing performance, carrying the ball seven times for 55 yards and two touchdowns, including an impressive 34-yard score to start the third quarter. He now turns his attention to the Panthers, who, following the Buccaneers' loss on Thursday, sit atop the NFC South. When these teams last met in Week 10, Shough threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns in his first career victory. The Panthers allow the eighth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, though Shough has shown the ability to put the team on his back, whether through the air or on the ground, to keep games competitive. He ranks as a QB2 this week and is worth starting in superflex formats.

5 days ago

Alvin Kamara • RB • Saints

Alvin Kamara Ruled Out for Sunday

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) has been ruled out for the third straight week with injuries to his knee and ankle. Sixth-round rookie Devin Neal (abdomen), who is coming off an RB12 finish in a Week 14 win over the Buccaneers, has been limited at practice with an abdomen issue of his own, but he's been cleared to play. Carolina's defense has been a plus matchup for opposing running backs, so Neal should be viewed as a safe floor RB2/flex play as he gets another start in New Orleans' backfield. Audric Estime and Evan Hull will be backing him up, with tight end Taysom Hill getting the occasional carry as well.

6 days ago

New Orleans Saints News

LEGEND