METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints (2-6) will enter their game against the Carolina Panthers (1-7) without three of their starting cornerbacks, putting a new twist on an injury problem that has hampered the team for much of the year Season.

Outside cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Kool-Aid McKinstry were both sidelined with hamstring issues, and cornerback Paulson Adebo was placed on IR with a season-ending hamstring injury. That leaves Alontae Taylor, who was the team's primary cornerback until Adebo's injury, as the only healthy option on the roster.

The Saints could rely on defensive back Ugo Amadi or rookie defensive back Rico Payton, who is questionable with a back injury but has a chance to play this week, according to Saints coach Dennis Allen.

The Saints have dealt with an extensive injury list this year, but got several players back last week, including starting guard Cesar Ruiz (knee), linebacker Pete Werner (hamstring), tight end Taysom Hill (rib) and wide receiver Chris Olave ( Concussion).

“We've done the studies (on injuries), obviously we're way up there this year. “Last year we were probably about league average in terms of soft tissue injuries, missed time and all those things,” Allen said. “In the first year we were well above average, so better. We certainly had a few more of them this year. There are some things we're going to do to see if we can't figure out how to minimize that.”

The Saints suffered several new injuries last week.

Running back Kendre Miller suffered a hamstring injury on Sunday and is out this week, while running back Jamaal Williams is listed as doubtful for this week with a groin injury. Wide receiver Bub Means sprained his ankle on Sunday and is also out this week.

Starting quarterback Derek Carr is expected to play after missing three games with an oblique injury.

“Hopefully this will have a big positive impact. I thought we looked really strong offensively in practice this week. I hope that carries over to the game,” Allen said. “I think any time a player like Derek comes back, someone with experience, he's broken through a lot of hurdles throughout his career. Facilitating communication, getting everyone on the same page, making sure everyone is on the same page, I think that will improve with an experienced quarterback there.