Saints Placed Travis Etienne Jr. on Injured Reserve
The running back will miss at least four games following a hamstring injury sustained against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Football
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The New Orleans Saints have placed running back Travis Etienne Jr. on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. He sustained the injury during the Week 3 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, where he recorded 19 carries for 57 yards.
Why it matters
The move mandates a four-game absence for Etienne, forcing the Saints to shuffle their backfield rotation. This shift impacts the team's depth as they prepare for the upcoming Week 4 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Etienne accumulated 19 carries for 57 yards in the Week 3 game before exiting with his injury. In his absence, Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller have combined for 31 carries and 95 rushing yards total this season.
The players
Travis Etienne Jr.
He is a professional running back for the New Orleans Saints who recorded 19 carries before his injury.
Alvin Kamara
He is a prominent running back for the Saints who previously returned from a knee injury in September 2026.
Kendre Miller
He is a running back for the Saints who has recorded 13 carries and one touchdown this season.
CJ Donaldson
He is a player expected to feature in the team's backfield rotation for the Week 4 game.
The details
Etienne's injury occurred on the same leg that had been bothering him throughout the week, despite his full participation in Friday practice. Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller, who recorded six and four carries respectively after Etienne left the Raiders game, are expected to lead the backfield.
Timeline
September 2026: Alvin Kamara missed time due to a knee injury.
Week 2: Alvin Kamara debuted against the Baltimore Ravens.
Week 3: Travis Etienne Jr. suffered his hamstring injury.
October 1, 2026: The Saints placed Etienne on injured reserve.
Week 4: The Saints face the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night.
Season Trajectory
This roster move forces an immediate pivot in the Saints' offensive strategy as they lean on depth to maintain their ground game. The absence of a primary back through the next four games alters the team's competitive balance as they navigate the critical early-season schedule.
Fantasy owners and fans should note that Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller are now the primary options for the upcoming Week 4 game. The team will need to rely on their combined workload to replace the 19 carries Etienne averaged in his last outing.
The takeaway
The team must now rely on their depth players to fill the gap left by their starting running back. Managing player health through these mid-season adjustments remains a critical factor for maintaining momentum.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, visit Football.
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