Expected to be activated from IR
The Saints are expected to activate Etienne (hamstring) from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's NFC South tilt against the Panthers, Tom Pelissero of Netflix reports.
Etienne's 21-day practice window opened Wednesday, and he strung together consecutive limited sessions before practicing in full Friday. That was enough for him to draw the questionable tag for Sunday's game, and it appears the Saints are confident enough in Etienne's recovery to activate the veteran running back from IR. His return would be a welcome one for a New Orleans offense that ranks 26th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (95.3). Etienne's return would result in Alvin Kamara and Audric Estime reverting to rotational roles out of the backfield.
More New Orleans Saints Fantasy Football News
CJ Donaldson
Out this week
Donaldson (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports.
Travis Etienne Jr.
May return in Week 10
Etienne (hamstring) said Friday that "the week of practice went well," and that he hopes to be active for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Jeff Nowak of WWL Radio reports.
Noah Fant
Upgrades to full Thursday
Fant Donaldson (back) upgraded to full participation at Thursday's practice.
CJ Donaldson
Yet to practice since Week 7 injury
Donaldson (shoulder) remained a non-participant at Thursday's practice.
Alvin Kamara
Logs full practice Thursday
Kamara (rest/back) was a full practice participant Thursday.
Travis Etienne Jr.
Remains limited Thursday
Etienne (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Ross Jackson of WWL-TV reports.
Alvin Kamara
Returns to practice
Kamara (back) returned to practice Thursday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.
Noah Fant
Working through back issue
Fant (back) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
Alvin Kamara
DNP on Wednesday
Kamara (rest/back) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice.
Travis Etienne Jr.
Chance to return in Week 10
Head coach Kellen Moore said Wednesday that the Saints will wait until the end of the week to make a decision whether or not to activate Etienne from injured reserve, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.