Tyrann Mathieu and the Saints defense just suffered a huge loss going into Falcons matchup

The New Orleans Saints are dealing with a handful of notable injuries before a division showdown in Week 4. They will face the Atlanta Falcons without, at least, a couple of key players.

New Orleans already lost Erik McCoy for the foreseeable future with a groin injury. Their offensive line and defense will be shorthanded this week in ATL.

Demario Davis ruled out for Week 4 vs. Falcons

The top linebacker and leader for the Saints will not suit up this weekend. He's dealing with a hamstring issue.

Davis will miss the first game of his NFL career due to injury, so it has to be an impactful ailment. He would not miss the game - if it was not. Pete Werner and Willie GayJr. will start at LB for the black and gold.

Davis is the "green dot" player on New Orleans' defense, so expect Tyrann Mathieu to potentially fill that role against the Falcons. They will need another leader to step up and run their unit.

Cesar Ruiz also won't play against Atlanta

The starting guard for the Saints will not play either, according to head coach Dennis Allen. He suffered his knee injury last Sunday against Philly, too.

Shane Lemieux was elevated to the active roster from the practice squad, so he may get the start at center. That would move Patrick back to guard, and Landon Young is most likely the favorite to start at the other guard position.

The loss of Ruiz is yet another shake-up for an OL that had doubts to begin the season.

Alvin Kamara practices again on Friday

The star running back for New Orleans was on the field for practice again on Friday. He was limited on Thursday after not participating on Wednesday. We will see how involved he was to finish the week.

Kamara is dealing with a hip and ribs injury. He's listed as questionable for Sunday's game against ATL.

Chris Olave suffers injury during Friday practice

Olave is considered day-to-day with a hamstring injury, according to Adam Schefter. Nick Underhill was the first to report the injury for the Saints wideout. He and fellow WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. are listed as questionable .

Full Saints-Falcons Week 4 injury report

A.T. Perry is out at wide receiver. Falcons' starting offensive tackle Kaleb McGary is out , too. Check out the full report below.

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