New Orleans Saints DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

The New Orleans Saints have listed quarterbacks Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener as co-backups on their first official depth chart for the 2024 season behind starter Derek Carr. The Saints apparently couldn't decide on either Rattler or Haener as the primary backup behind Carr after they competed all throughout training camp and the preseason. Neither signal-caller stood out over the other during preseason games, so it's anyone's guess who will be active behind Carr this Sunday for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the division-rival Carolina Panthers. Rattler was a fifth-rounder back in April, and the Saints want to develop him for a potential starting role down the line. Haener, 25, was a fourth-round selection back in 2021 but has yet to make his NFL debut.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) has officially been placed on the Non-Football Illness list, according to Field Yates. The veteran back will now miss at least the first four games of the season, leaving the backup role wide open. Carson Steele, the undrafted rookie, has made the most noise as the backup so far, but the signing of Samaje Perine becomes even more important as well. They should become a bigger part of the passing game than previously expected and could be underrated producers in PPR formats given the volume. Their opportunities are going to fluctuate with each game plan, so their value is a bit better in deeper leagues or dynasty formats in terms of Steele.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) was not seen at the portion of Sunday's practice open to the media, according to Pete Sweeney of Arrowhead Pride. Edwards-Helaire recently revealed that he's been dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. While that kept him out of some training camp sessions, it's unclear whether the diagnosis explains his absence from practice on Sunday. The Chiefs' first injury report of the year will be released Monday, which should provide some more context regarding Edwards-Helaire's status and availability. In the event that he can't suit up Thursday, veteran Samaje Perine and preseason standout Carson Steele would round out the remainder of the backfield behind Isiah Pacheco.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (foot, toe) missed a large chunk of training camp and the preseason due to injuries, but he returned to practice this week and says he's ready for the start of the 2024 regular season. "It felt really, really good today. I feel like I didn't lose a step. I stayed on top of everything that I needed to throughout the rehab process, so I would be able to be fast and play free and be on the same page with our quarterbacks," Shaheed said. With a new offensive scheme in place under coordinator Klint Kubiak, Shaheed missed valuable time getting reps on the field, but he said he's not worried and already feels that he has a good physical rhythm in the offense. The 25-year-old could have an expanded role in what the Saints are hoping is an improved offense in 2024, but for Week 1 against the Panthers, Shaheed should be considered more of a boom/bust WR5/flex in fantasy lineups.

Updating a previous report, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) remained sidelined during the portion of practice that was open to the media, according to John Machota of The Athletic. Head coach Mike McCarthy expressed earlier in the week that the veteran was scheduled to return to the field on Thursday, but he may need some more time to get ready. Cooks has been dealing with a lingering knee injury through most of August but is nearing the end of his rehab process. Fantasy managers should continue to pay close attention to his status prior to the season opener next week. The 30-year-old saw an uptick in touchdowns (eight) last fall compared to the three he caught in 2022 but continued to see a drop in yards, posting only 657. This was his second straight season falling under the 1,000-yard mark. Cooks remains a solid depth option in all leagues, as he should serve as the No.2 receiver in a high-octane Dallas passing attack.