The New Orleans Saints are looking to break a six-game losing streak in Week 9 against a struggling Carolina Panthers team. If New Orleans want to get back on track, the defense will need to play well, like they did in their season opener vs. Carolina. 

In the secondary, a key contributor is dealing with a new injury. 

Rookie dealing with injury

Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry joined the injury report on Wednesday due to a hamstring injury. With Marshon Lattimore's status up in the air already, this is a tough scenario for Dennis Allen's defense. He is also dealing with a hamstring issue.

McKinstry was limited on Wednesday. Then, he was downgraded to DNP on Thursday. That's never a good sign in the middle of the week.

Keep in mind – CB Paulson Adebo is out for the season for New Orleans. McKinstry is slated to start without him in the lineup, if he can go on Sunday. Depth CB Rico Payton also did not practice on Thursday. 

Carr practices again

The Saints quarterback has progressed well with his oblique injury. Starting with throwing sessions last week, Carr has now transitioned to practicing this week. He was listed as limited on Wednesday and Thursday.

Head coach Dennis Allen expects Carr to start on Sunday if the rest of his week goes as planned. 

Mathieu returns

The veteran safety missed practice on Wednesday, but he returned on Thursday. This has been the case for a handful of weeks this season as Mathieu has been banged up. Expect him to suit up against the Panthers. 

DT John Ridgeway did not practice on Thursday with a new oblique injury. 

Check out the full Saints-Panthers Thursday injury report below.

Injury report pic.twitter.com/s4IXYxu2Hs

— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) October 31, 2024

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