We’ve gotten a look at the final New Orleans Saints injury report for Week 16’s game with the New York Jets, which answered some key questions for us. Who’s in? Who’s out? And who has a chance to play this Sunday? Let’s break it down.
Ruled out
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WR Devaughn Vele (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve, ending his season. It’s a disappointing turn of events after he broke out in recent weeks. He’ll have to focus on getting healthy and hit the ground running in 2026.
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RB Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle) didn’t practice this week while dealing with a couple of different leg injuries, and he’s going to miss his fourth consecutive game because of it. Hopefully we haven’t already seen the last of him in black and gold.
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RT Asim Richards (ankle) also wasn’t able to practice this week after spraining his ankle last Sunday, and that injury is going to keep him out of this game.
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RG Cesar Ruiz (ankle) will miss this game after being ruled out, too, meaning the Saints’ only starting offensive linemen will be left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and right tackle Taliese Fuaga.
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Three Jets players have also been ruled out: linebacker Kiko Mauigoa (neck), tight end Mason Taylor (neck), and defensive lineman Eric Watts (concussion).
Questionable
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DT Nathan Shepherd (ankle/knee) was limited at practice all week and didn’t upgrade to full reps on Friday, which isn’t very encouraging. We’ll see if he’s able to work out pregame and get the green light.
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WR Mason Tipton (illness) didn’t practice on Thursday or Friday because of an unspecified illness, and he’s also questionable for Sunday. The Saints are running very thin at receiver after shutting down Devaughn Vele.
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TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden (knee) was limited on Friday, so this is one to watch. These late-week injuries can be tricky. Mitchell-Paden had been a healthy scratch in recent weeks but it’s still worrying when a young player is dealing with an injury.
Neither of them are expected to play this week, with rookie quarterback Brady Cook being named the starter, but Justin Fields (knee) and Tyrod Taylor (groin/knee) are both questionable to be active.
Available
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S Justin Reid (knee) is expected to return to the starting lineup after practicing fully on Thursday and Friday. He was limited to start the week and missed last Sunday’s game with that knee injury but will be back soon.
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QB Tyler Shough (hip) practiced fully all week after getting banged up late against the Panthers. He’s going to start again this Sunday.
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DT Davon Godchaux (rest) got his regular day off on Thursday when the Saints practiced their third down situations and is back in the lineup for Sunday.
Six different Jets players were listed on the injury report but are expected to play on Sunday: running back Breece Hall (knee); edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II (neck/calf); offensive linemen Josh Myers (ankle), Xavier Newman (knee), and Joe Tippmann (ankle); and defensive lineman Jay Tufele (shin).
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This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Who’s win, who’s out? Breaking down final Saints-Jets injury report