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The saints game against the Atlanta Falcons comes with important roster news, as both NFC South teams have announced their inactive players ahead of Monday Night Football. The Week 4 matchup is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, with the game available through ABC, ESPN and NFL+.
Both teams enter the contest with identical 1-2-0 records, adding early-season urgency to a divisional meeting that could influence the NFC South race. While the final result will be decided on the field, the inactive lists provide an early look at the depth challenges facing Atlanta and New Orleans.
Critical Saints Game Inactives for Monday Night Football
The Saints have listed seven players as inactive for the matchup. The group includes several defensive contributors and a notable offensive player, creating questions about New Orleansā available rotation throughout the game.
- LB Kaden Elliss
- DE Carl Granderson
- DE Anfernee Jennings
- QB Zach Wilson, emergency third quarterback
- CB Decamerion Richardson
- DL Christen Miller
- TE Noah Fant
Among the most prominent names on the list are Elliss and Granderson. Their absences could affect the Saintsā defensive depth, particularly along the front seven. Jennings is also unavailable, leaving New Orleans without another defensive end option for the divisional contest.
Zach Wilson is designated as the emergency third quarterback. That designation means he is available only under specific game circumstances, rather than as part of the Saintsā regular quarterback rotation. The situation is worth monitoring as New Orleans prepares for a physical Monday night matchup.
Falcons Inactives Include Two Quarterbacks
Atlanta has six inactive players for the Saints game. The Falconsā list includes quarterbacks Cooper Rush and Jack Strand, along with several defensive and offensive linemen.
- QB Cooper Rush, designated emergency third quarterback
- QB Jack Strand
- DB Malcom Dewalt IV
- DB Roger Longerbeam
- DE Jared Ivey
- OL Ethan Onianwa
Rush is designated as Atlantaās emergency third quarterback, while Strand is inactive. The Falcons will therefore rely on their active quarterback options for the game, with Rush available only if the team reaches the leagueās emergency-quarterback conditions.
The Falcons are also without defensive backs Malcom Dewalt IV and Roger Longerbeam. Their absence may require Atlanta to adjust its secondary depth and substitution patterns against a Saints offense playing at home.
Jared Ivey is unavailable along the defensive line, while Ethan Onianwa is inactive on the offensive line. Those absences could become significant if the game develops into a demanding contest at the line of scrimmage.
Explosive NFC South Matchup Carries Early Stakes
Atlanta and New Orleans are both searching for momentum after opening the season 1-2-0. A victory would move either club above .500 and provide an important divisional win early in the 2026 campaign.
The inactive reports do not determine the outcome, but they can shape a teamās game plan. Coaches may need to protect depleted position groups, use different personnel packages and manage substitutions carefully as the game progresses.
For New Orleans, the focus will be on replacing multiple defensive players while maintaining pressure and coverage options. For Atlanta, quarterback depth and availability in the secondary are among the most notable roster issues heading into kickoff.
The Saints game also represents an opportunity for both teams to strengthen their position within the NFC South. With the matchup taking place at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans will look to benefit from its home-field setting, while Atlanta aims to leave with a valuable road victory.
What to Watch Before Kickoff
Fans should watch how both coaching staffs compensate for the inactive players. The Saintsā defensive front and Atlantaās quarterback depth are likely to receive particular attention during pregame coverage and the opening series.
The final active rosters will determine which players step into expanded roles. Those replacements could influence third-down packages, red-zone formations and late-game decisions in what is expected to be a closely watched divisional battle.
Who is inactive for the Saints game?
The Saintsā inactives are Kaden Elliss, Carl Granderson, Anfernee Jennings, Zach Wilson, Decamerion Richardson, Christen Miller and Noah Fant.
Who is inactive for Atlanta?
The Falcons list Cooper Rush, Jack Strand, Malcom Dewalt IV, Roger Longerbeam, Jared Ivey and Ethan Onianwa as inactive.
When does the game begin?
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday night at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Where can fans watch the matchup?
The game is scheduled to air on ABC and ESPN, with streaming access available through NFL+.
