Saints Week 8 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em

It seems to finally be some light at the end of the tunnel for the New Orleans Saints especially after the Thursday night loss against the Broncos when the fantasy points seem to yet again take a hit. This week, the Saints take on the Chargers and will get a few key players back but to be honest, most of them are still banged up and likely won’t result in an abundance of points. You are going to have to dig in your roster to gain a lot of points this week.

Derek Carr- Sit

Derek Carr didn’t participate in practice Thursday and Friday. While he was able to resume throwing earlier this week, his left oblique strain continuing to keep him from taking part in practice drills and he is leaning toward missing a third straight game Sunday against the Chargers. Rookie Spencer Rattler took reps with the first-team offense Thursday and looks on track to make another start in place of Carr.

Alvin Kamara-Sit

Alvin Kamara, despite battling a broken hand and rib fractures and was limited in practice again on Thursday and Friday, raising concerns about his availability for this weekend’s game against the Chargers. Fantasy managers are especially disappointed, as Kamara is typically a reliable workhorse with over 20 touches per game. With rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler under center again, Kamara’s fantasy outlook is even more uncertain. Here’s to hoping Kamara can gut through the injuries and suit up on Sunday, but managers should be prepared to adjust their lineups.

Juwan Johnson-Sit

Juwan Johnson continues to be limited in practice this week due to a shoulder injury. This puts his status for Sunday’s game against the Chargers in question. While teammate Taysom Hill appears to be on track to return, Johnson is still battling this nagging shoulder issue. This is a huge disappointment for fantasy managers who were hoping for a breakout performance from Johnson this week.

Chris Olave-Start

Chris Olave, who suffered a concussion against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers two weeks ago, has been practicing in full on Thursday and Friday. After missing the Denver Broncos game, Olave made a speedy recovery and has been cleared from the concussion protocol.

Taysom Hill-Start

Tight end Taysom Hill appears to be on track to return from a rib injury that has sidelined him since Week 4. Hill practiced fully on Thursday and Friday for the first time since the injury. This is a positive development for the Saints’ offense, which could be without starting tight end Juwan Johnson (shoulder) on Sunday against the Chargers. If Johnson is unable to play, Hill would be the clear-cut No. 1 tight end for New Orleans. Hill is a versatile player who can line up at tight end or in the backfield, and his return would give the Saints a much-needed boost on offense and be a valuable option in Week 8.

How does your line-up look this week? What adjustments have you made to your fantasy roster to recover the injury list plaguing the Saints?