The New Orleans Saints have dealt with many injuries on the offensive side of the ball this season. Quarterback Derek Carr missed time. Star running back Alvin Kamara has dealt with multiple ailments and played through them. Taysom Hill is now out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL.
As for the offensive line, the unit has been constantly swirling so far this season. The original starting unit has only played together for two full games. The wide receiver corps has also suffered huge losses this year.
Chris Olave has suffered multiple concussions and may not play again this season. He's on injured reserve right now. Rashid Shaheed is out for the rest of the season after knee surgery.
With their top two guys on the shelf, New Orleans has needed depth guys to step up. It's been a struggle at times, but two players have really proven to be valuable for the Saints this year.
One of them is wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The other is WR Kevin Austin Jr., who New Orleans signed in July.
Kevin Austin Jr.
Austin is still just 24 years old. He's a big body that excited teams during his draft process due to his speed and size combo. This season, Austin has emerged as a clutch third down target for Derek Carr in New Orleans.
In the team's loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13, he was arguably their best target in the passing game. He was the second highest-graded Saints player for that matchup, according to Pro Football Focus.
Austin's value has gone deeper than receptions, though. He has a trait that many former Saints receivers understand well. He's a determined and impressive run blocker. He works hard in the running game to help the offense stay on track.
Players like Lance Moore, Marques Colston, and even Michael Thomas worked hard in run blocking. That's part of why they were so beloved by Sean Payton for many years.
Austin isn't on par with those receivers talent-wise, but his effort is crystal clear, and he's trying to stick around in New Orleans after earning a role. Plus, he's running crisp routes that give Carr a reliable target over the middle of the field.
In order for the young receiver to play in Week 14, New Orleans will need to sign him to the active roster.
They've elevated him three times from the practice squad, the maximum limit for one player. If they're smart, they'll find a way to make that happen.
I'd like to see Austin in black and gold once again in 2025, too. We will see if Austin returns after this season, but his performances and effort while their top targets have been out due to injury should mean something to the Saints.
He absolutely deserves to be a key depth option next season in New Orleans.
