Happy New Year's Eve, and welcome to the Saints Insider newsletter for the final day of 2021, a year, I think we all agree, will live in infamy for Saints fans. The news on Thursday was a mixed bag. Some good. Some bad. The Saints welcomed some more players back from reserve/COVID-19 list but also learned a key offensive lineman would be sidelined for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. Luke Johnson has the story on the latest hit to the Saints' injury-riddled front line. The Saints' injury report actually grew to nine players when it was released on Thursday, not the best sign for Sunday's game. Amie Just has the full report. It's awards season and the Saints have a couple of veteran players nominated for some prestigious awards. Luke Johnson has the story on the nominations for Cam Jordan and Kwon Alexander. Speaking of honors, former Saints linebacker Sam Mills was one of 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2022. This is the third time Mills has been a finalist. My story on Mills' candidacy, along with the other 14 finalists. The Saints opened as 7-point favorites against the Panthers, but the betting line has actually contracted a little bit over the last 24 hours as more information is gathered about the playing status of both team's rosters. Devin Jackson has everything you need to know -- trends, odds, how to watch --about this week's matchup with Carolina. And finally, Luke Johnson has the story on a popular former Saints player, who received a nice honor from the NFL on Thursday. Saints fans will be torn on this one. Once again, thanks for being a loyal reader and follower of our Saints coverage. And make sure to check back throughout the week as we ramp up our coverage of the Panthers-Saints game. Until next time... Cheers, Jeff Duncan |