Running back Travis Etienne returned to practice Wednesday for the New Orleans Saints ahead of a division game against the Carolina Panthers.
Etienne resumed practicing in pads after missing five games due to a hamstring injury sustained in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders, as reported by Sports Illustrated. He signed a four-year, $52 million deal with New Orleans in the offseason after being selected in the first round of the 2021 draft by Jacksonville, according to Nfltraderumors.
Head coach Kellen Moore addressed the return during his media availability, saying the team officially designated him for return from injured reserve and opened his 21-day practice window.
“It was good to get Trav back out there, get him in pads,” head coach Kellen Moore said.
Travis Etienne was practicing today
“Always good for these guys just to get back into football. We’ll just let the week kind of play itself out and we’ll see what it looks like,” Moore said.
Quarterback Tyler Shough also talked about welcoming back the offensive weapon, saying it was about getting him back into the rhythm of the game plan.
“I think just his comfortability with the offense, you know, getting those reps back again is going to be key,” Tyler Shough told reporters.
“Every week he’s been adamant with the playbook.” He’s been working his butt off, so it’s going to be good just adding that element, and I know when we were rolling, you know, early on in the season, training camp, it’s hard to stop him.
The Saints used a mix of rushers during Etienne’s absence. Alvin Kamara and Audric Estime shared the load.
Estime paced the ground game with 72 yards in a Week 9 overtime victory against the Cleveland Browns, as detailed by ClutchPoints.
Etienne is the third Saints starter to return from injured reserve in the past two weeks. Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and offensive lineman Kelvin Banks both played in the Week 9 win over Cleveland.
Etienne Jr. back at practice 🫡@swaggy_t1 pic.twitter.com/2J29Rv9dSU
Etienne recorded 128 rushing yards on 30 carries across three appearances for New Orleans in 2026 before his hamstring injury. He also caught 11 passes for 51 yards.
The Jennings, Louisiana native returned home this past March after playing for Jacksonville. He logged a 2024 campaign featuring 1,399 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns following a split of time with Tank Bigsby.
New Orleans is reconfiguring its offensive line ahead of Sunday’s game. Erik McCoy is sidelined due to a biceps injury suffered in Week 9.
Cesar Ruiz will slide from right guard to center. Rookie Jeremiah Wright steps in at right guard, according to Pro Football Rumors.
The Saints and Panthers enter Sunday’s noon kickoff at Caesars Superdome with identical 3-5 records, tied at the top of the NFC South standings, as reported by Audacy.
“We’ll just let the week kind of play itself out and we’ll see what it looks like,” Moore said.
