New Orleans Heads Into Week 5 With Its Fourth Different Lead Back

Travis Etienne Jr. is on injured reserve, and the Saints are already turning to a fourth name at running back before Week 5. I wrote this note four days ago when Etienne first landed on IR — the backfield had cycled through three answers in four weeks. Now the depth chart lists Ulysses Bentley at the top, with CJ Donaldson and Kendre Miller behind him.

Kamara's MCL kept him out early. Etienne's hamstring ended his season. Miller and Donaldson each had their turn. The offseason plan was a genuine one-two punch at the position — Kamara returning for a tenth year, Etienne signed as the complementary piece. That plan has not survived contact with the schedule.

Bentley inherits whatever is left of the ground game heading into this week. There is no cushion behind him worth speaking of. The Saints will need Spencer Rattler to carry more of the offensive load, which is its own conversation given where this team is.