Saints offense gets a lift with Travis Etienne set to be activated

Entering the 2026-27 NFL season, the New Orleans Saints were believed by many to be a real threat to secure their first NFC South Championship since 2020.

A slow start combined with key injuries caused New Orleans to start the season 3-5, and it seemed like it would be another year without a division title. That may not be true, though, as the Saints just so happen to play in what has been a disastrous division this season. 

New Orleans will enter Week 10 tied for first place with the Carolina Panthers, and it is getting a major boost to its offense for Sunday’s game against the Panthers.

Saints’ Travis Etienne is set to return from IR

According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Saints running back Travis Etienne is expected to be activated from IR and return to the field Sunday against Carolina.

Etienne suffered a hamstring injury in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders that has kept him out of action. It will be a major boost for a New Orleans offense that ranks 20th in total yards per game (325.8) and 26th in rushing yards per game (95.3).

Etienne struggled to get going in the first few games with his new team, rushing for just 128 yards with no touchdowns through three weeks.