Saints rule out Fuaga and McCoy as Etienne returns against Panthers
Saints vs Panthers: New Orleans lose Taliese Fuaga and Erik McCoy on the offensive line, while Travis Etienne returns from IR for the 3-5 NFC South clash.
Livefeed News DeskUpdated · 3 min read
Quick answer
The New Orleans Saints ruled out right tackle Taliese Fuaga (knee) and centre Erik McCoy (biceps) for their Week 10 home game against the Carolina Panthers. Running back Travis Etienne was activated off injured reserve and left off the inactive list, so he returns after five games out. Both teams went in at 3-5.
Key facts
- The Saints ruled out four players, including Erik McCoy and Taliese Fuaga.
- Travis Etienne was activated off injured reserve and was not inactive.
- Asim Richards was expected to start at right tackle and Cesar Ruiz at centre.
- Panthers linebacker Bobby Okereke, second on the team with 49 tackles, was ruled out.
- Both teams were 3-5, with the winner taking sole lead of the NFC South.
Who is out for the Saints
New Orleans ruled out four players on its final Week 10 injury report: centre Erik McCoy (biceps), right tackle Taliese Fuaga (knee), running back CJ Donaldson (shoulder) and defensive tackle Christen Miller (knee).
Fuaga was hurt in Thursday's practice, and the injury has been described as a knee sprain. Head coach Kellen Moore said it was not expected to be a long-term problem and ruled out a stint on injured reserve. Donaldson misses a second straight game.
Miller, a second-round pick, was injured in Wednesday's practice and was placed on injured reserve on Saturday. On game day the Saints named six inactive players, three of them because of injury.
Fuaga has a knee sprain that occurred during practice yesterday, Kellen Moore said
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) November 13, 2026
Jets inactives: DB Jarvis Brownlee Jr, WR Tim Patrick, ED Nate Lynn, TE Jelani Woods and LB Trevin Wallace.
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) November 15, 2026
Brownlee missed some practice time due to an illness. Patrick, Lynn and Woods are healthy scratches. #Jets
A reshuffled offensive line
Without McCoy and Fuaga, the right side of the line is rebuilt. Cesar Ruiz moves to centre, rookie Jeremiah Wright makes his second career start at right guard, and Asim Richards, who has made five starts at left tackle this season, moves to right tackle. Kelvin Banks at left tackle and David Edwards at left guard complete the expected starting five.
Banks was a full participant in Friday's practice for the first time since coming back from injured reserve.
“We’ll just adapt, adjust,” Moore said. “Our guys are ready to go.”
Travis Etienne returns from injured reserve
Etienne, the Saints' big free-agent signing, had not played since Week 3 because of a hamstring injury. He was upgraded to full participation on Friday and listed as questionable, then activated off injured reserve on Saturday. He was not on the inactive list, which means he returns after a five-game absence.
“I hope so,” Etienne told WWL when asked if he expected to play. “I definitely want to, but whatever they require me is what I'm gonna do.”
There is a family subplot. His brother, Trevor Etienne, is a running back on the Panthers' roster.
Other changes on the Saints roster
With Miller on injured reserve and Davon Godchaux traded on Monday, defensive lineman John Ridgeway is active for the first time since Week 5. Ridgeway re-signed on a two-year, $6.2 million contract in the offseason but has played in only two games this season.
Rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who played 18 snaps on his NFL debut, did not appear on the injury report all week.
Panthers without Bobby Okereke
Carolina ruled out one player, but an important one: linebacker Bobby Okereke (foot), who is second on the team with 49 tackles. Running back Jonathon Brooks (groin) and cornerback Michael Jackson (groin) were listed as doubtful. Guard Brady Christensen, cornerback Will Lee, wide receiver Xavier Legette and linebacker Jaelan Phillips were questionable.
What is at stake in the NFC South
The Saints (3-5) hosted the Panthers (3-5) at noon on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome. The winner takes sole possession of first place in the NFC South.
Frequently asked questions
Is Travis Etienne playing against the Panthers?
Yes. He was activated off injured reserve on Saturday and was not on the Saints' inactive list, ending a five-game absence with a hamstring injury.
Why is Taliese Fuaga out?
Fuaga sprained his knee in Thursday's practice. Kellen Moore said it was not expected to be long-term and he will not go on injured reserve.
Who starts at right tackle for the Saints?
Asim Richards was expected to start at right tackle, with Cesar Ruiz at centre and Jeremiah Wright at right guard.
Which Panthers players are out?
Linebacker Bobby Okereke was ruled out with a foot injury, while Jonathon Brooks and Michael Jackson were doubtful.
What does Saints vs Panthers mean for the NFC South?
Both teams were 3-5, and the winner takes sole possession of the division lead.
