By Ross Jackson
METAIRIE, La. – For the third consecutive week, the New Orleans Saints will take their field without their top running back and one of the team’s biggest starts. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are all cleared and good to go, including a key defensive contributor.
Here is the information from the Friday injury report, including game designations:
New Orleans Saints
Out
RB Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle)
T Asim Richards (ankle)
Questionable
S Justin Reid (knee)
No Game Designation (Good to go)
RB Devin Neal (abdomen)
T Taliese Fuaga (ankle)
DE Chris Rumph II (wrist)
DT Davon Godchaux (NIR-rest)
The running back room will again be led by rookie back Devin Neal, which may be a glimpse into the near future for the team. Kamara’s knee injury will sideline him for a third game with hopes of getting back to the field before the season comes to a close.
Additionally, the Saints will be without Richards, but with Fuaga making his return, the exchange works out for New Orleans. The starting right tackle is without designation, making him available to return to the lineup.
Carolina Panthers
No Game Designation (Good to go)
LB Claudin Cherelus (concussion)
CB Jaycee Horn (concussion)
C Cade Mays (ankle)
S Lathan Ransom (thumb)
LB Christian Rozeboom (hip/hamstring)
The Panthers are completely healthy, relative to their active roster, and received good news this week with Horn clearing concussion protocol. He’ll be back in the lineup for the first time since his Week 12 injury (which includes a bye week), looking to rebound after surrendering a pair of touchdowns the last time he faced the Saints and rookie quarterback Tyler Shough in Week 10.