WOUNDED BIRDS: DARIUS SLAY, DAVION TAYLOR AND JORDAN HOWARD

Slay had already returned an interception 51 yards for a touchdown in the final seconds of the first half.

He became the second defensive player to leave with an injury. Linebacker Davion Taylor left in the first quarter with a knee injury and didn’t return.

Rookie Zech McPhearson replaced Slay while Alex Singleton replaced Taylor.

The Saints couldn’t top Jordan Howard, who had carries for 63 yards, but he left the game with a knee injury in the third quarter and didn’t return. Howard had just picked up 7 yards when he was sent head over heels on a tackle, landing on his shoulder.

But Howard stayed on the ground and ended up limping off the field.