New Orleans Saints Activate Running Back Travis Etienne Jr. From IR

The New Orleans Saints activated running back Travis Etienne Jr. off injured reserve prior to their game against the Carolina Panthers, the team announced Saturday.

Etienne had been sidelined since October 1 following a hamstring injury sustained during a Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The running back dealt with hamstring tightness leading up to that contest, and though he managed a season-high 57 rushing yards, he pulled up after a 16-yard run in the third quarter.

Following a full practice on Friday, Etienne told ESPN that he feels great and is eager to rejoin the active roster.

Travis Etienne Jr. Activated From IR: What His Return Means for Saints vs Panthers — NFL reports

“I definitely want to, but I mean, whatever they require me, what I’m going to do. So I’m just here to help the team and I feel like not much help when I’m out there on the sideline in my street clothes. So hopefully it let me suit up and I go out there and just be a valuable asset to the team,” Etienne told ESPN.

Etienne is expected to share backfield duties with Alvin Kamara and Audric Estime. Estime led the team with 72 rushing yards against the Cleveland Browns last week after joining the roster off waivers.

In corresponding roster moves ahead of the Panthers game, the Saints placed second-round pick Christen Miller on injured reserve after he was downgraded earlier in the week due to a knee injury. The team will also play without two starting offensive linemen, as Erik McCoy (biceps) and Taliese Fuaga (knee) were both ruled out on Friday.