Saints Hold Off on Etienne Return as Run Game Stalls

New Orleans Saints running back Travis Etienne remains on injured reserve, forcing the team to wait and see if he can return against the Carolina Panthers this week. The 26-year-old was eligible to come off the list for last Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns but sat out because his hamstring was not fully healed.

Head coach Kellen Moore said Etienne is progressing well and the staff is gathering more information before making a final call. This approach mirrors the timeline for wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who joined practice on Wednesday and made his NFL debut against Cleveland.

Moore stated the team is using the allotted time to let Etienne work with the training staff. The decision on whether he rejoins practice this week will come after further evaluation.

Etienne has not played since the third quarter of the Week 3 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. In his first three games, he recorded 30 carries. Despite the short season, he trails quarterback Tyler Shough's team-leading 162 rushing yards by just 34 yards.

The Saints have struggled to move the ball on the ground without him. However, they are coming off a strong performance against Cleveland. Audric Estimé, who returned to the roster last week after being waived by the Browns, rushed for a team-high 72 yards and one touchdown against his former team.