Saints Lose Starting RB Etienne to Hamstring Injury for Minimum Four Weeks
Running back Travis Etienne Jr. has been placed on injured reserve after suffering a hamstring injury during Sunday's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, sidelining him for at least four games. Etienne's absence will increase offensive workload for backup running backs Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller for the New Orleans Saints. Fantasy managers seeking replacement options should consider Miami's Ollie Gordon and New York's Braelon Allen, who are expected to see expanded touches due to injuries to their respective teams' primary backs.
Travis Etienne Jr.'s injury comes during his debut season with the Saints after a productive year with Jacksonville. Through three games, the running back has accumulated 128 rushing yards on 30 carries, suggesting an adjustment period to his new team. His four-week absence forces the Saints to rely on their backup options during a critical stretch of the season.
The Saints' running back room will now depend heavily on Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller to fill the production gap. Both backups have been relatively quiet through early games, combining for fewer than 100 rushing yards. This increased workload could present an opportunity for either back to establish momentum in the offense.
Etienne's injury may impact fantasy football participants who drafted or acquired him, potentially affecting their season-long strategies. The injury could also influence how the Saints approach their offensive game plan against upcoming opponents, possibly leading to increased passing attempts or different play-calling packages. Backup running backs across the league, particularly Gordon and Allen mentioned as replacement options, could see their opportunity cost and perceived trade value shift among fantasy managers evaluating waiver wire pickups.