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SAD: Injury Report: Saints Without Key Players Against Rams

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SAD: Injury Report: Saints Without Key Players Against Rams

New Orleans may again be without two critical offensive pieces when they take on the Rams.

Coming off their bye week, the New Orleans Saints will host the Los Angeles Rams in a later afternoon kickoff this Sunday. The Saints come in with a 4-7 record, winning their first two games with interim coach Darren Rizzi. The Rams enter with a 5-7 mark, losing to Philadelphia last week and dropping two of their last three contests.

It’s an important matchup for each team, with the winner clinging to at least a chance to climb back into the NFC playoff chase. Both squads are still within striking distance in their divisions, but each need a winning streak and some outside help.

No team has been hit harder by injuries this season than the Saints. They’ve gotten a few pieces back in recent weeks but will still be without major contributors Rashid Shaheed, Paulson Adebo, Kendre Miller, and Bub Means (injured reserve) along with WR Chris Olave (concussion). The Rams have gone stretches without stars of their own, but pretty much all have returned to their lineup.

Neither the Saints or Rams practiced on Thanksgiving, but both released estimated injury reports. Friday marks the final injury report of the week for each squad.

Saints Final Injury Report – Week 13

Did Not Practice

• Erik McCoy, C (groin) – TBD
• Lucas Patrick, G (ankle) – OUT

Limited Practice

• Foster Moreau, TE (shoulder)

Full Practice

• Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE (achilles)
• Pete Werner, LB (hand)
• Jamaal Williams, RB (groin)

It was thought that the week off would allow both McCoy and Patrick to get back into the lineup. Patrick has missed the last two games and four of the last six weeks. For a good part of the season, the Saints have been without all three starters along the interior of their offensive line.

McCoy returned two weeks ago against Cleveland after a seven-game absence. He reaggravated his groin injury in the second half, but some reports indicated that he sat out the rest of the game out of precaution. Apparently, it was more serious. According to coach Darren Rizzi, McCoy is considered a game-time decision to play despite not practicing all week.

The Saints have not had their full starting offensive line since McCoy was injured on the third play of a Week 3 loss to Philadelphia. It was hoped, perhaps assumed, that would finally change for this game.

Williams has sat out the last three contests. He hasn’t done much this season, rushing for 124 yards and a score. Without him and Kendre Miller however, the full rushing load has fallen to Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill. Williams and DE Tanoh Kpassagnon are both listed as questionable against the Rams.

Kpassagnon has been out for every game this season after being placed on the PUP list in training camp following an Achilles injury. New Orleans opened the 21-day practice window for him to return earlier this week. His versatility would be a welcome addition to a defensive line that has underachieved most of the 2024 season so far.

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AGREED: Opposing teams have struggled against the New Orleans Saints since Darren Rizzi became head coach

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AGREED: Opposing teams have struggled against the New Orleans Saints since Darren Rizzi became head coach

Apparently making your special teams coordinator your interim head coach earns you some good luck on the third phase of the game

Since Darren Rizzi has become the New Orleans Saints head coach, opposing kickers have struggled against New Orleans. Every team the Saints have faced since the coaching switch have missed a field goal, other than the Los Angeles Rams and they didn’t attempt a field goal.

The most notable miss was Bryan Bresee blocking Matt Gay’s field goal to seal a Saints win over the New York Giants. The play earned Bresee recognition as NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

It all started with Younghoe Koo and the Atlanta Falcons. Koo is a normally surefooted kicker, especially against New Orleans. He’d only missed two field goals versus the Saints coming into the game, and one was a blocked kick from beyond 60 yards.

In Week 10, Koo missed three field goals. That’s more field goals than he’d missed against the Saints in his whole career. It’s also the most kicks Koo has missed in a single game in his career.

In total, opposing teams are 2-of-8 on field goals since Rizzi has taken over. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not. You be the judge.

 

 

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DEAL ACCEPTED: New Orleans Saints Pull Blockbuster Deal to Land Star Quarterback Jared Goff from Detroit Lions, Bolstering Offensive Arsenal for Next Season.

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DEAL ACCEPTED: New Orleans Saints Pull Blockbuster Deal to Land Star Quarterback Jared Goff from Detroit Lions, Bolstering Offensive Arsenal for Next Season.

In a groundbreaking move, the New Orleans Saints have finalized a blockbuster trade to acquire star quarterback Jared Goff from the Detroit Lions. This surprising development sends ripples through the NFL, as the Saints look to solidify their offensive lineup and build on their ambitions for next season.

The Details of the Trade

The Saints reportedly offered a lucrative package to the Lions in exchange for Goff. The deal includes multiple draft picks, including a first-round selection in the upcoming NFL Draft, and two prominent players from New Orleans’ current roster. While the exact terms are still unfolding, insiders suggest the Saints spared no expense in landing the Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback.

This trade marks a significant shakeup for both teams. The Lions, who are in the midst of a roster rebuild under head coach Dan Campbell, have chosen to part ways with Goff after two seasons in Detroit. Meanwhile, the Saints are betting big on Goff’s experience and talent to lead their offense to new heights.

Goff’s Credentials

Jared Goff, 29, entered the league as the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, selected by the Los Angeles Rams. During his time with the Rams, he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2018 season and earned two Pro Bowl nods. Known for his strong arm, accuracy, and leadership on the field, Goff transitioned to the Lions in 2021 as part of a trade involving Matthew Stafford.

In Detroit, Goff showcased resilience and poise, amassing over 4,000 passing yards and 29 touchdowns in the 2023 season. His performance highlighted his ability to thrive under pressure and manage games effectively. The Saints are undoubtedly counting on these attributes as they aim to contend in the competitive NFC South.

What This Means for the Saints

The acquisition of Goff signals a shift in strategy for the Saints. Head coach Dennis Allen and general manager Mickey Loomis have made it clear that their focus is on winning now. With Goff at the helm, the Saints have a proven leader capable of elevating their offense, which struggled with consistency in recent seasons.

Goff’s addition also raises expectations for the Saints’ talented roster. Wide receiver Chris Olave and running back Alvin Kamara are expected to benefit significantly from Goff’s ability to distribute the ball efficiently. Paired with the team’s robust offensive line, the Saints could emerge as a top contender in the NFC.

Reaction Around the League

The trade has garnered widespread attention across the NFL. Analysts and fans alike are weighing in on the implications for both teams. ESPN’s Adam Schefter described the deal as “a bold move that underscores the Saints’ urgency to compete at the highest level.” Meanwhile, critics have questioned whether the Lions received enough value in return for a quarterback of Goff’s caliber.

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees also chimed in, expressing optimism about the team’s future. “Jared Goff is a tremendous talent and a great leader. He’s exactly what the Saints need to make a deep playoff run,” Brees said in a statement.

The Lions’ Perspective

For the Lions, the trade represents a commitment to rebuilding with a long-term vision. By parting ways with Goff, Detroit creates opportunities for younger talent and adds valuable draft capital to reshape their roster. While fans may lament the departure of a dependable quarterback, the move aligns with the Lions’ goal of constructing a sustainable winning culture.

Looking Ahead

As Goff prepares to don the black and gold, the Saints are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting season. The team’s schedule includes high-profile matchups against NFC powerhouses, and all eyes will be on Goff to see if he can deliver under the bright lights of New Orleans.

With this blockbuster trade, the Saints have sent a clear message: they are all-in on their quest for a championship. Whether this gamble pays off will be one of the most intriguing storylines to watch in the upcoming NFL season.

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Stephen Jones praises Mike McCarthy for doing an “outstanding” job despite the Cowboys’ injury struggles.

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Stephen Jones praises Mike McCarthy for doing an “outstanding” job despite the Cowboys’ injury struggles.

Mike McCarthy’s ability to keep the Dallas Cowboys competitive despite injuries could influence whether the team offers him a contract extension.

“I think he’s done outstanding,” executive vice president of personnel Stephen Jones said on Wednesday after the NFL’s winter meetings. “I mean, our guys are playing hard and he’s got them competing. That was a tough game the other night, but guys played hard.”

McCarthy, who is in the final year of his contract, helped lead the Cowboys (5-8) to three consecutive 12-win seasons, including two NFC East titles, before things started to go wrong this year.

The Cowboys were 3-5 when Dak Prescott was injured and out for the season. Many defensive players, including star edge rusher Micah Parsons, have also missed multiple games.

“When you’re owning/managing a football team, you look at everything. It would be irresponsible not to,” Jones said about considering the team’s injuries when evaluating McCarthy’s performance. “I know our fans and opponents don’t look at everything, but we do.”

Parsons’ return helped the team win two straight games, but Dallas lost 27-20 at home to Cincinnati on Monday night due to a critical mistake on special teams after a blocked punt.

Mike McCarthy walks off the field after the game
The Cowboys have had four heavy losses and have lost four games by just one score.

“Hats off to Mike,” Jones said. “When you look around the league, sometimes you see a lot of teams that start like that and they’re thinking about next year. And Mike’s got everybody focused on winning each and every game.”

Under McCarthy, the Cowboys haven’t had playoff success, going 1-3. They were beaten badly by Green Bay in the wild-card round of last season’s playoffs, but owner Jerry Jones made few changes to the roster.

When asked if a decision about McCarthy’s future had been made, Stephen Jones said: “We’re talking about the next game.”

When asked if Bill Belichick was ever considered, Jones replied: “We’re worried about the next game.”

 

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