Home / Sports / Saints Reshuffle Backfield: Estime Arrives, Etienne Awaits Return
Saints Reshuffle Backfield: Estime Arrives, Etienne Awaits Return
4 Nov
Summary
- Audric Estime claimed off waivers; Travis Etienne Jr. may return from IR.
- Offensive line coach Nugent now leads run game operations.
- Team faces decisions on running back depth before trade deadline.
The New Orleans Saints are implementing significant changes to their struggling rushing attack. Audric Estime has been claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Browns, a player previously released by the Saints after an injury. Concurrently, the team is evaluating veteran running back Travis Etienne Jr.'s readiness to return from injured reserve following a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for several games.
These personnel moves coincide with a shift in coaching, as offensive line coach Brendan Nugent has taken charge of the run game operations, a role he effectively held throughout the season. The Saints' depth chart at running back is in flux, with Etienne Jr. expected to be the primary back if healthy, followed by Alvin Kamara, CJ Donaldson, and Kendre Miller.
The team faces critical decisions regarding their running back corps, particularly with Kendre Miller reportedly a subject of trade talks. The return of Estime and potentially Etienne could make Miller expendable before the November 10 NFL trade deadline, as the Saints aim to revitalize their ground game.
