What happened: The New Orleans Saints plan to activate running back Travis Etienne Jr. from injured reserve on Saturday, positioning him to play Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Etienne resumed practice this week after the Saints placed him on injured reserve with a hamstring injury on Oct. 2. He confirmed Friday that his practice week progressed smoothly and indicated he expects to suit up.
Why it matters: Etienne's return restores a primary backfield option for New Orleans following a narrow 23-22 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The Saints face a divisional matchup against Carolina, who enter after dropping a 26-21 decision to the Denver Broncos. Reinserting Etienne into the rotation bolsters the ground attack as both teams look to stabilize in the second half of the season.
By the numbers: Etienne has run 30 times for 128 yards in 2026 through 3 games.
What to watch: The Saints finalize their active roster ahead of Sunday's kickoff against the Panthers, when Etienne is expected to make his return to game action.