Travis Etienne Has Limited Practice in Return to Saints

Saints running back Travis Etienne returned to practice on Wednesday as a limited participant following a hamstring injury in Week 3 that sidelined him for six weeks.

The team has 21 days to activate him off injured reserve, leaving open the potential for him to return as soon as Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Head coach Kellen Moore addressed reporters about the decision.

Travis Etienne Leads List Of MAJOR Returns For New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers On Wednesday — Locked On Saints – Hit and Locked On Saints

“We’ll see. There’s some potential for it. But . . . we’ll just let the week kind of play out and see what it looks like,” Kellen Moore said, via Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football.

Etienne was eligible to return from injured reserve last week against the Cleveland Browns, but New Orleans opted to give him another week of recovery. During the offseason, the organization handed him a $52 million deal aimed at injecting dynamism into a ground game that had stalled over recent years.

Even after missing five games, Etienne has rushed for 128 yards, trailing only quarterback Tyler Shough by 34 yards despite carrying the ball just 30 times over the first three contests.

Kellen Moore on Travis Etienne Jr., Chase Young — New Orleans Saints

“When we were rolling early on this season and in training camp, it was hard to stop him. We’ve got to get him those touches and get him back going. I’m excited to have him back,” Tyler Shough said.

Etienne's absence changed the backfield dynamics. Coming out of their bye week, the Saints made personnel changes following a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that marked their worst rushing output in a single game since 1999. New Orleans claimed running back Audric Estimé off waivers and parted ways with 2023 third-round pick Kendre Miller.

Other roster concerns complicated Wednesday’s practice session. Center Erik McCoy (biceps), running back Alvin Kamara (rest/back) and running back C.J. Donaldson (shoulder) did not practice. Moore confirmed that Cesar Ruiz will start at center in McCoy’s absence, with Jeremiah Wright stepping into Ruiz’s spot at right guard.

NO.saintsraiders.092826.166.jpg — Photo: nola.com

At the same time, tight end Noah Fant (back), offensive tackle Kevin Banks (ankle), offensive guard David Edwards (knee), defensive tackle Christian Miller (knee) and cornerback Martin Emerson (shin) were designated as limited participants.

New Orleans will monitor Etienne’s progress throughout the week before committing to his game-day status against a Carolina defense allowing 133.4 rushing yards per game.