Team news: New Orleans Saints

Kellen Moore was asked directly whether Tyler Shough's hand is broken: "It got banged two weeks ago and he's just wearing some protective layers there."

Shough put up his first clunker of the season in Week 5 throwing for just 96 yards and two interceptions. He did throw for 286 and a TD in Week 4. It remains to be seen how this affects Shough when he's back in action for Week 6. Owners may want to temper expectations for now and hopefully we get more information about the injury.

Chris Olave was limited with a foot injury. He did not participate yesterday due to rest.

Related Players: Devaughn Vele, Juwan Johnson, Tyler Shough

If Olave sits, Vele would have a stronger claim to WR3/FLEX consideration, with WR2 upside if he absorbs a substantial share of Olave’s targets. Johnson would become a more appealing TE1 play with additional receiving opportunities available. Losing his top WR would make Shough a less attractive QB2 option. Olave remains a WR1 if healthy enough to play his usual role.

New Orleans Saints rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who has been on injured reserve after suffering another hamstring injury, is said to be making progress and feeling good but is still considered to be weeks away from returning to action, league sources told ESPN.

The Saints are taking a patient, long-term approach with Tyson, who is not likely to return until Week 7 at the earliest, according to league sources.

As the story points out, Week 7 presents some logistical complications, as the Saints are scheduled to play the Pittsburgh Steelers that week in Paris. It's hard to imagine Tyson returning that week with the Saints having a bye in Week 8 before a home game in Week 9 against the Cleveland Browns. So, Week 9 seems much more logical. The story added the will be medical checkpoints for Tyson to clear soon, and the Saints are pleased with where he's at in his recovery.

Travis Etienne is going to IR

Related Players: Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, CJ Donaldson, Ulysses Bentley

Etienne can be moved into an IR spot and will miss at least four games. Kamara becomes the most dependable fantasy option in the backfield, with Miller positioned for a meaningful increase in early-down opportunities. Donaldson could remain involved, while Bentley initially profiles as practice-squad insurance. The Saints’ Week 8 bye stretches Etienne’s minimum absence through the end of October.

On whether the Dolphins will operate with RB by committee without De'Von Achane, coach Jeff Hafley said: "They're all going to have their roles."

Related player: Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon, Jarquez Hunter

Gordon will be a popular pickup this week in waivers, and at least for the short term could benefit the most in terms of workload. But this is looking like it's heading to a committee. Wright missed Week 3 with a stinger and foot injury and we don't yet know his status for Week 4. The team also has Hunter who was a prospect with the Rams before signing with the Dolphins practice squad. Hunter could jump right into action as the RB2 if Wright is out again this week. With all the injuries to RBs lately, it's worth taking a flier on any of the three.

Saints RB Travis Etienne Jr. will miss time with a hamstring injury, HC Kellen Moore announced.

Related players: Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, CJ Donaldson

A timeline for a return has not yet been determined, according to the post. It's likely Kamara, Miller and Donaldson all see a bump in touches to pick up the workload of Etienne. Kamara led the way with nine carries in Week 9 so it makes sense he would probably lead the way. Miller had four carries along with two receptions and could work in as the RB2.

Dolphins star RB De’Von Achane suffered a torn ACL, sources tell me and Adam Schefter, and he’s out for the season.

Related players: Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon, Jarquez Hunter

This was the news we all feared not long after Achane left the game and headed to the locker room in Week 3. It had been a slow start to the season for Achane, but the hope was the volume would be there in both the rushing and passing games at some point soon. Given the timing, Achane certainly has a chance to be back in time for next season. Meanwhile, Wright and Gordon will now likely take over the workload at RB going forward. Wright was out in Week 3 with a foot injury and a stinger, leaving Gordon as the main back where he rushed 17 times for 41 yards and a TD while adding three catches for 14 yards against the Chiefs. With Wright's status unsure for Week 4, Gordon looks to be the better add off the wire - at least in the short term. But, when both backs are healthy this could be a full-on committee. The team has Hunter on the practice squad as well, who was a nice prospect who got drafted by the Rams.

Chris Olave left practice as a precautionary measure, I'm told. Nothing that is expected to be a problem.

Related Players: Tyler Shough, Devaughn Vele, Bryce Lance, Barion Brown, Juwan Johnson, Noah Fant

The clarification substantially reduces concern surrounding Olave’s Thursday limitation. Barring a Friday setback, he should remain in fantasy lineups as a high-end WR1 after commanding 10 receptions for 182 yards in Week 1.

Olave was added to Thursday’s injury report because of a hamstring injury. He was able to participate on a limited basis.

Related Players: Tyler Shough, Devaughn Vele, Bryce Lance, Barion Brown, Juwan Johnson, Noah Fant

Friday’s participation will be important because Olave was added rather than carried over from Wednesday. Vele would become New Orleans’ leading wide-receiver option if Olave cannot play, with Johnson and Fant potentially absorbing additional middle-of-the-field opportunities. Shough would receive a significant downgrade without his clear No. 1 target.

Alvin Kamara practiced fully Wednesday after missing the season opener with a knee injury. Head coach Kellen Moore indicated that Kamara probably could have played in Week 1 and is expected back against Baltimore.

Related Players: Travis Etienne, Kendre Miller, Tyler Shough, Chris Olave, Juwan Johnson

Kamara’s return should reduce Etienne’s passing-down involvement and remove Miller from fantasy consideration. Etienne remains the better bet to lead the Saints in carries, but Kamara can immediately reclaim a receiving and hurry-up role, depending on how efficient he ends up being with those touches.