In the lead up to Thursday Night Football, the New Orleans Saints faced a major setback as starting quarterback Derek Carr and tight end Taysom Hill were both dealing with injuries. Carr was nursing an oblique injury while Hill was struggling with a rib issue, leading to doubts about their availability for the upcoming game.
As the Saints announced their inactive list, it was no surprise to see Carr and Hill included. The absence of these two star players would undoubtedly impact the team’s performance on the field.
With Carr sidelined, rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler was once again thrust into the spotlight as he prepared to make his second consecutive start for the Saints. Rattler would have big shoes to fill in the absence of the experienced Carr.
Adding to the Saints’ injury concerns, defensive tackle Khalen Saunders was also ruled out due to a back injury, further weakening the team’s defensive line. The Saints would need to rely on their depth to make up for the absence of key players.
In addition to Carr, Hill, and Saunders, the Saints had a number of other players listed as inactive for the game. Wide receiver Chris Olave was sidelined with a concussion, linebacker Pete Werner was dealing with a hamstring issue, and running back Jordan Mims along with offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz were also unavailable due to injuries.
On the opposing side, the Denver Broncos also had their share of inactive players ahead of the matchup. Cornerback Pat Surtain II was out with a concussion, offensive lineman Alex Palczewski was nursing an ankle injury, and tight end Greg Dulcich was unavailable for the game. Additionally, cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike, and outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman were also listed as inactive for the Broncos.
Quarterback Zach Wilson was designated as the emergency third quarterback for the Broncos, providing depth in case of any unforeseen circumstances during the game.
As both teams dealt with injuries and roster changes, it was clear that Thursday Night Football would be a test of depth and resilience for the players on the field. The stage was set for an intriguing matchup as the Saints and the Broncos prepared to face off in a battle of attrition.
