Saints to activate Travis Etienne Jr. from IR in time for Week 10 clash vs. Panthers

The New Orleans Saints plan to activate running back Travis Etienne Jr. from injured reserve in time for their Week 10 game against the Carolina Panthers. NFL insider Tom Pelissero confirmed the news on X. Etienne, sidelined since a hamstring injury in the team's Week 3 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, will be eligible to return for Sunday's matchup.

The 27-year-old has been practicing on a limited basis, participating fully on Friday. He appeared in three games this season, accumulating 179 total yards from scrimmage, including 128 rushing yards on 30 attempts and 11 receptions for 51 yards. Etienne last played in the Saints' 35-27 Week 3 victory over Las Vegas, rushing for 57 yards and two receptions for 13 yards.

The activation of Etienne provides the Saints with an additional option in their backfield, which also features Alvin Kamara and Audric Estime. New Orleans is currently 3-5 and aims to move closer to .500 with a victory over the Panthers, who have the same record.