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The New Orleans Saints received positive injury news on Wednesday as left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson both returned to practice ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Cleveland Browns.
Meanwhile, the Browns could be without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was placed in the NFL's concussion protocol on Wednesday after reporting symptoms following Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Watson initially passed concussion evaluations and finished the game, but reported symptoms on Monday night, casting doubt on his availability against New Orleans.
If Watson is unable to play, second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders is expected to make his first start of the season. Sanders started seven games as a rookie in 2025, throwing for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. However, he has seen limited action this season, completing just three passes for 2 yards.
Watson has started all eight games for Cleveland this season, completing 65.5% of his passes for 1,806 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions. Despite his efficiency, the Browns have struggled offensively, ranking 29th in the NFL with just 17.4 points per game.
For New Orleans, the biggest development was the return of Banks, who practiced for the first time since undergoing ankle surgery in September. The second-year left tackle has progressed considerably faster than initially expected, returning more than a month ahead of schedule. The Saints now have a two-week window to activate Banks from injured reserve, potentially providing a significant boost to an offensive line that has struggled in his absence.
Backup left tackle Asim Richards has experienced difficulties adjusting to coach Kellen Moore's offensive scheme while filling in for Banks. Initially expected to return in mid-December, Banks could reclaim his starting role once medically cleared, giving the Saints additional protection up front.
New Orleans also welcomed back Tyson, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Arizona State. The rookie wide receiver participated on a limited basis Wednesday after missing the entire season to this point with a hamstring injury suffered during training camp. Although his availability for Sunday's matchup remains uncertain, Tyson's return represents another encouraging development for a Saints offense looking to improve its passing attack.
With Banks and Tyson progressing toward their respective returns and Cleveland potentially facing a quarterback change, Sunday's matchup could feature a considerably different outlook for both teams than initially anticipated.
Full Injury Report
New Orleans Saints
- Did Not Practice (DNP): RB Alvin Kamara (Back/rest)
- Limited Participation (LP): OT Kelvin Banks Jr. (Ankle), RB CJ Donaldson (Shoulder/concussion), CB Martin Emerson Jr. (Shin), OT Asim Richards (Thumb), WR Jordyn Tyson (Hamstring)
- Full Participation (FP): S Justin Reid (Concussion), G Cesar Ruiz (Knee), DT Nathan Shepherd (Illness)
Cleveland Browns
- QB Deshaun Watson (Concussion), OT Austin Barber (Calf), DT Maliek Collins (Elbow), LB Quincy Williams (Hamstring), WR Denzel Boston (Calf), CB Myles Harden (Hamstring), C Elgton Jenkins (Knee), LB Carson Schwesinger (Wrist/ankle), DE Jared Verse (Knee)
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A New Orleans native, Grant covers the New Orleans Saints for On SI. He returned to the Big Easy after serving as the lead beat reporter for North Carolina Tar Heels On SI. After graduating from LSU in 2023, he covered the local prep sports scene for Crescent City Sports and wrote columns on the Saints on the site as well. He began his sports reporting career with WGNO in 2022, serving as a stringer for its award-winning high school football show, Friday Night Lights, while attending LSU. When he is not writing about the Black and Gold, he also contributes LSU coverage to TigerBait and FanSided's Death Valley Voice. Follow ChachereGrant.