KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The New Orleans Saints put backup offensive lineman Shane Lemieux on injured reserve amid a flurry of roster moves before they played the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium.
Lemieux had been brought up from the practice squad two weeks ago before hurting his ankle. New Orleans coach Dennis Allen said initially that the injury did not appear to be serious, but the stint on IR means Lemieux will miss at least four games.
The Saints signed offensive lineman Kyle Hergel from the practice squad to provide depth in his place. They also said running back Kendre Miller would miss the game with a hamstring injury, and that safety Johnathan Abram and linebacker Isaiah Stalbird had been added to the active roster with standard practice squad promotions.
The full list of inactive players for both teams were due 90 minutes before the scheduled 8:15 p.m. EDT kickoff.
The Saints were thin along the offensive line even before Lemieux landed on IR. Erik McCoy is still recovering from a groin injury, center Cesar Ruiz is out with a knee injury, and Lucas Patrick was questionable to face the Chiefs a groin injury.
That could mean Connor McGovern, who was added off the Jets practice squad, could be forced to play in Kansas City.
The Saints have been hit hard by injuries elsewhere, too. Starting linebackers Pete Werner (hamstring) and Willie Gay Jr. (hand) and defensive end Payton Turner (knee) were ruled out for Kansas City on the defensive side of the ball, and versatile tight end Taysom Hill was forced to miss the game with a rib injury.
The Chiefs were playing their first full game since losing Rashee Rice to a knee injury last week against the Chargers. They already were without Marquis Brown, who has had potentially season-ending shoulder surgery, and fellow wide receiver Mecole Hardman was dealing with a knee injury this week.
The Chiefs also remain without starting running back Isiah Pacheco. Kareem Hunt, who was signed a couple of weeks ago, was expected to start in his place after playing well in his season debut in last week’s 17-10 win in Los Angeles.
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