New Orleans (3-2) at Seattle (2-4)
5:15 p.m. Monday, ESPN
■ Line: Saints -5½
■ Saints player to watch: WR Deonte Harris. Harris had a breakout game as a rookie back in 2019 when he returned a punt for a touchdown in the Saints’ victory in Seattle. He’s grown to become a bigger part of the passing game in addition to being their top kick returner. Harris has two TD receptions this season of longer than 50 yards, but he did get injured (hamstring) two weeks ago against Washington.
■ Seahawks player to watch: RB Rashaad Penny. Penny is expected to be activated from injured reserve after missing time due to a calf injury, and his return is vital. Chris Carson is on injured reserve with a neck issue. Alex Collins is beat up after becoming Seattle’s first 100-yard rusher in two seasons last week. The Seahawks seem set to return to a run-based offense with Geno Smith at quarterback and need as many capable running backs as possible.
■ Key matchup: Seattle’s run game vs. New Orleans’ run defense. The Saints have the second-best run defense in the NFL, giving up 79 yards per game on the ground. Seattle believes with Russell Wilson sidelined the best method on offense is to have a solid run game that emerged in the second half last week. The question for Seattle is who will be the primary ball carrier with Collins dealing with injury and Penny coming off injured reserve.
■ Key injuries: The Saints designated LB Kwon Alexander, DE Marcus Davenport, WR Tre’quan Smith and kicker Wil Lutz to return from injured reserve to practice this week. … Seattle’s biggest injury unknown is likely DE/LB Darrell Taylor after he was taken off the field on a backboard against Pittsburgh. Coach Pete Carroll said all of Taylor’s scans and tests came back clear for a neck injury and he may have more of a shoulder issue, and could possibly play against the Saints. Taylor has been one of Seattle’s most effective pass rushers.