The New Orleans Saints plan to activate running back Travis Etienne Jr. from injured reserve Saturday, putting the veteran in position to return for their Week 10 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported the news Saturday via X, formerly known as Twitter.
“The Saints plan to activate RB Travis Etienne Jr. from injured reserve today, putting him in line to return to action Sunday vs. the Panthers, per source.”
Etienne has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in New Orleans' Week 3 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Saints designated him to return from injured reserve Wednesday, opening his 21-day practice window. He participated on a limited basis Wednesday and Thursday before upgrading to full participation Friday. New Orleans officially listed him as questionable for Sunday.
The 27-year-old's return would provide another option for a Saints backfield that also features Alvin Kamara and Audric Estime.
Etienne has appeared in three games this season, recording 128 rushing yards on 30 attempts for an average of 4.3 yards per carry. He has also caught 11 passes for 51 yards, giving him 179 total yards from scrimmage.
Travis Etienne Jr. set to bolster Saints backfield
Etienne last played in New Orleans' 35-27 Week 3 loss to Las Vegas. He carried the ball 13 times for a season-high 57 yards and added two receptions for 13 yards, finishing with 70 yards from scrimmage before his extended absence.
His expected return comes as New Orleans attempts to build momentum following its 23-22 overtime victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 9.
The Saints enter Sunday at 3-5 and have an opportunity to move closer to .500 against a Panthers team that owns the same record. Etienne's availability would give New Orleans another experienced weapon as it enters the second half of its season.
New Orleans will host Carolina on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on Fox.