NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints (2-4) started the season thered-hot with two dominant wins, but find themselves reeling after four straight losses and injuries continuing to pile up.
But there's no rest for the weary as the battered Saints have little time to recover due to a short week Thursday night matchup against former New Orleans head coach Sean Payton and his visiting Denver Broncos (3-3).
The Saints have 18 players listed on the gameday injury report, including notable names listed as either out or doubtful, including key offensive starters.
Wide receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee), the latter of whom was placed on injured reserve, are both out, as well as guard Cesar Ruiz (knee). Fellow lineman Lucas Patrick (chest) was listed as questionable after limited participation in practice the past two days. Prior to the game he was listed as active.
Quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) and "Mr. Everything" Taysom Hill (rib) are listed as doubtful. Carr did not practice all week, while Hill did so on a limited basis.
Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, who went 22-of-44 for 243 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions with another 27 yards on 4 carries, will start against the Broncos.
Defensively, linebacker Pete Werner is still out due to an injured hamstring. Defensive tackle Khalen Saunders was considered questionable with a back injury on Wednesday but on Thursday was listed as out prior to the game.
Running back Jordan Mims is also out.
Kickoff for the Week 7 game is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. inside the Caesars Superdome.
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