New Orleans Saints News

NFC SOUTH

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.

19 hours 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.

23 hours 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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

2 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.

3 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.

3 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.

3 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.

3 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.

3 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.

3 days ago

Devin Neal • RB • Saints

Devin Neal Limited Again on Thursday

New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal (abdomen) remained a limited participant in practice for the second consecutive day on Thursday. The rookie has handled an increased workload lately with Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) sidelined and Kendre Miller (knee) on injured reserve. He's averaging 71.3 scrimmage yards as the starter and scored his first career touchdown last week. Kamara is trending toward missing another game, leaving Neal in line to start against the Carolina Panthers, assuming he's healthy enough to play. At this rate, Neal has a decent chance to suit up in Week 15 as long as he logs a limited or full practice on Friday. If Neal is confirmed as active and Kamara is out, the rookie will rank as a mid-to-low RB2 in fantasy football.

4 days ago

Alvin Kamara • RB • Saints

Alvin Kamara Misses Practice on Thursday

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) was not spotted during the team's open portion of practice on Thursday, according to Ross Jackson of Locked On Saints. The 30-year-old has missed each of New Orleans' last two games due to knee and ankle injuries, and could be trending towards a third straight absence in Week 15 when the Saints take on the Carolina Panthers. Saints rookie running back Devin Neal (abdomen) has taken over as the team's lead back with Kamara sidelined, but Neal began the week as a limited practice participant. If both Kamara and Neal were to miss time, New Orleans could be forced to turn to Audric Estime and Evan Hull in the backfield. The 3-10 Saints have little reason to rush Kamara back from injury, so he may be on track to miss more time.

4 days ago

Devaughn Vele • WR • Saints

Devaughn Vele Ascending in Saints' Offense

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele should continue to see heavy utilization in the team's pass attack when they take on the visiting Carolina Panthers in Week 15. The second-year pro has materialized as a decent second option in New Orleans since ex-teammate Rashid Shaheed was moved to Seattle. In fact, Vele has been the Saints' leading receiver through the last two games, out-producing Chris Olave and matching his snap total in both contests. While that isn't the most likely outcome moving forward, there's no doubt that the 27-year-old has built a solid rapport with rookie QB Tyler Shough, and he should continue to operate as the second or third option at worst in a Saints' offense desperate for playmakers. Vele is a better asset in PPR leagues.

5 days ago

Devin Neal • RB • Saints

Devin Neal's Stock Rising As Fantasy Playoffs Approach

New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal (abdomen) is warding off an injury but has nonetheless seen his fantasy stock rise, making him a possible priority free agent for managers looking to make a playoff run. The rookie from Kansas is coming off the best day of his NFL career last week at Tampa, during which he rushed 19 times for 70 yards and a touchdown, and also caught his only target for 14 yards. The increase in work arrived because longtime starter Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) has been sidelined, which included missing Wednesday's practice. For his part, Neal practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday ahead of a Week 15 game against Carolina. Though he's not out of the woods yet, Neal and the Saints have a terrific set of matchups with the Panthers, Jets, and Titans on deck in the next three weeks, which could give Neal steady value if Kamara remains out.

5 days ago

Devin Neal • RB • Saints

Devin Neal Listed as Limited in Wednesday's Practice

New Orleans Saints rookie running back Devin Neal (abdomen) was listed as a limited participant at Wednesday's practice session, according to Ross Jackson of LouisianaSports.net. Neal appears to have exited New Orleans' win over the Bucs on Sunday with an abdominal injury. His injury will be something for fantasy managers to monitor in practice this week, but he should still be on track to play in Week 15 against the division-rival Carolina Panthers. The rookie sixth-rounder recorded a career-high 20 touches for 84 yards and a touchdown last week, and he has been a quality fantasy option with Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) sidelined. Kamara missed practice again on Wednesday and is trending towards missing his third straight game, which would line Neal up for another week as a plug-and-play starter. If Neal were to trend in the wrong direction in the next two days, Evan Hull and Audric Estime would be names to watch in the Saints' backfield.

5 days ago

Tyler Shough • QB • Saints

Tyler Shough Has Entered Weekly Streaming Conversation

New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has finished as a QB1 in three of his last four starts, peaking at QB6 in a Week 14 upset of the Buccaneers. While he threw for only 144 yards with zero touchdowns and an interception, his day was buoyed by 55 yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns. He has now registered at least six carries in three straight games, topping 20 yards on the ground in two of three and showcasing a skillset that wasn't a huge part of his profile coming out of Louisville. Since taking over as the Saints starter in Week 9, he has demonstrated plus athleticism and a command of the offense, entering the conversation as a viable streamer. Unfortunately, his first two fantasy playoff matchups are against the Panthers and Jets, both of whom have been challenging for fantasy quarterbacks. He does draw a favorable matchup against the Titans in Week 17, but most managers who reach the fantasy championship will have likely done so without needing to stream the position.

5 days ago

Alvin Kamara • RB • Saints

Alvin Kamara Still Not Practicing

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) was a non-participant during Wednesday's practice session. Kamara has yet to practice since he suffered a sprained MCL in Week 12 against the Atlanta Falcons. Rookie RB Devin Neal (abdomen) was limited to begin the week as well. That leaves Audric Estime and Evan Hull as the only healthy running backs on the Saints' roster. Fantasy managers will need to monitor the health of these two backs ahead of the Week 15 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. This would be a situation to avoid for fantasy managers if both Kamara and Neal are unable to suit up. With the Saints out of playoff contention, it's unlikely they will rush Kamara back, so fantasy managers should not expect to have him available this weekend.

5 days ago

Tyler Shough • QB • Saints

Tyler Shough on the Map as Potential Week 15 Streamer?

New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough rushed for two touchdowns in Sunday's 24-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and completed 13 of 20 passes for 144 yards with an interception while adding seven carries for 55 yards. It wasn't Shough's best day as a passer, but he made some big-time plays with his legs, including a 34-yard score in the third quarter, before adding a 13-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to give the Saints the lead for good. The rookie second-rounder has shown real flashes in his five starts and firmly belongs in the QB2 discussion moving forward for fantasy football. In Week 15, the 26-year-old faces a Carolina Panthers team that he already beat back in Week 10, when he completed 19 of 27 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns. It may not be as easy the second time he faces them, but Shough is worth adding and starting in superflex formats.

7 days ago

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