Etienne Activated, Questionable for Saints-Panthers

The New Orleans Saints activated running back Travis Etienne from injured reserve Saturday, making him eligible to return against the Carolina Panthers after missing five games with a hamstring injury. After limited practices Wednesday and Thursday, he practiced fully Friday and was listed as questionable, leaving his availability and workload uncertain ahead of kickoff. Etienne had 128 rushing yards and 51 receiving yards in three games before his injury, and his return could bolster a struggling Saints ground game alongside Alvin Kamara and Audric Estimé, who ran effectively in last week’s overtime win over Cleveland. The NFC South matchup is significant: both teams are 3-5, and the winner will take sole possession of first place.