Saints plan to activate Kelvin Banks Jr. after ankle surgery

The New Orleans Saints are set to activate Kelvin Banks Jr. for their upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Banks missed time due to a high ankle sprain sustained during the Saints' Week 2 win over the Baltimore Ravens, leading to his placement on injured reserve on September 23rd. He had been limited in practice but was listed as questionable for Friday's final injury report.

If activated, Banks would have the opportunity to play, though his availability on game day has not been confirmed. Selected by the Saints ninth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Banks played all 17 games as a rookie, starting each one. This potential return is particularly significant, as fellow tackle Asim Richards is also questionable due to a thumb injury. Activating Banks would provide Tyler Shough with a familiar presence on his blind side.