The New Orleans Saints are set to face the Green Bay Packers without wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who is sidelined due to illness. This comes after he struggled with flu symptoms earlier in the week.

In his absence, the Saints will likely rely on a mix of players including Tipton, Pettis, Austin, and Wilson, as well as tight ends Moreau and Johnson to enhance their offensive strategy.

In a matchup against the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler took the helm in his fourth career start, filling in for the injured Derek Carr. The Saints were also missing key players, including Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara and wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

On the Packers' side, their secondary faced significant challenges, missing three starters, including cornerback Jaire Alexander. Despite his return to practice, Alexander has yet to play, marking his fifth consecutive absence. The Packers' offense did see the return of tight end Luke Musgrave from injured reserve, though he has struggled this season.

The Green Bay Packers are vying for a wild-card berth after a challenging season, facing tough competition from the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Philadelphia Eagles. Despite their losses to these strong teams, the Packers remain unbeaten against the rest of the NFL, securing 10 wins so far.

On the other hand, the New Orleans Saints are struggling after a promising start, leading to the firing of head coach Dennis Allen. With interim coach Darren Rizzi at the helm, the Saints aim to finish the season strong, despite key player injuries.

In a surprising decision, the NFL has rescinded the fine imposed on New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd for a controversial play involving Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. The incident, which occurred in early November, raised eyebrows due to the potential for injury as Shepherd twisted Herbert's ankle.

Chargers lineman Bradley Bozeman expressed his frustration over the lack of punishment for Shepherd, while head coach Jim Harbaugh also voiced his displeasure following the game. This decision has sparked discussions about the league's inconsistent approach to player safety, especially concerning quarterback protection.

Nathan Shepherd of the New Orleans Saints has successfully appealed an $11,817 fine for unnecessary roughness, related to an incident involving Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert during a Week 8 game.

Shepherd was accused of attempting to reinjure Herbert, who had previously sprained his right ankle. The NFL has rescinded the fine, marking it as Shepherd's only penalty this season. Both Shepherd and Chargers center Bradley Bozeman were penalized during the play, but only Shepherd faced a fine.