The New Orleans Saints will be without running back Travis Etienne Jr. for an extended period after placing him on injured reserve with a hamstring injury ahead of their Week 4 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team reported the roster move Thursday on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“#Saints placed RB Travis Etienne Jr. on IR with a hamstring injury.”

The move means Etienne will miss time after starting each of New Orleans' first three games this season. The 27-year-old has rushed for 128 yards on 30 carries, averaging 4.3 yards per attempt. He has also caught 11 of his 13 targets for 51 yards, giving him 179 yards from scrimmage through three appearances.

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Etienne joined the Saints during free agency after spending the first five years of his NFL career with the Jacksonville Jaguars. New Orleans agreed to terms with the Louisiana native in March on a four-year, $52 million contract following a 2025 campaign in which he rushed for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns. He finished that season with 1,399 yards from scrimmage and 13 total touchdowns.

His absence now creates a significant question for the Saints' backfield as they attempt to rebound from their second loss of the season.

New Orleans fell 35-27 to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3, dropping its record to 1-2. Etienne carried the ball 13 times for 57 yards in the loss while adding two receptions for 13 yards.

The Saints will now turn their attention to an NFC South matchup against the Falcons on Monday, Oct. 5, at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN without their starting running back available.