The New Orleans Saints will not have a defensive leader in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons. Recent comments from his coach may mean some positive things regarding the rest of his season, though.
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.
This will be the first missed game of Davis' career due to injury. His only other absence was due to COVID-19. Davis' long-term outlook with the injury is unknown, but there seems to be some cautious optimism around him.
Saints HC Dennis Allen gives interesting quote on Davis' status
"We're not going to put anybody out there that we feel like we're putting at risk of injuring themselves, so I think, look, nobody - especially guys like that, we had to do the same thing with Cam [Jordan] at one point in time. I think with all these things, you're always just looking at, you know, what's the proper thing to do, what's the right thing to do for the player and for the team. That's all that goes into any of those types of decisions." -- via Jeff Nowak
Based on these comments, it sounds like the Saints are being extra careful with Davis. They do not want to rush him back and risk further injury for their top linebacker.
You may remember a similar situation with star cornerback Marshon Lattimore in Week 2. Lattimore wanted to suit up, but Allen held him out to avoid a short-term injury turning into a long-term problem.
For Davis, everyone knows how badly he wants to be on the field on a weekly basis. He is the undoubted leader of the team's defense and coordinates a lot of their adjustments before the snap.
He never wants to miss time, but he also wants New Orleans to reach their goals this season. If they want to, he cannot miss too much time. Missing this week could help him get back on the field near 100% sooner than later.
Only time will tell. Regardless, Allen's comments should give Saints fans a small sigh of relief when it comes to Davis' injury.
Expect Pete Werner and Willie Gay Jr. to start at linebacker for the black and gold. We could see an increase in defensive snaps for preseason standout Anfernee Orji, too. The position is still a strong one for New Orleans, albeit thinner, without Demario.
Expect another linebacker outside of those three to be active, too. They will want depth options at the position without their LB1.
The Saints also ruled out wide receiver A.T. Perry and offensive guard Cesar Ruiz for Week 4 against Atlanta.
WR Chris Olave, RB Alvin Kamara, and WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. are all listed as questionable. Keep an eye on their statuses early on Sunday morning, ahead of the NFC South clash. All three are impactful pieces for New Orleans.
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