Zaire Mitchell-Paden: Everything you need to know

Mitchell-Paden (knee) was placed on the injured reserve list Friday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports. Mitchell-Paden logged consecutive DNPs to open the Saints' week of practice and has since been placed on IR due to a knee injury. The Florida Atlantic product appeared in eight games with the Ravens and Saints in 2025, catching two of five targets for 17 yards across 107 offensive snaps. With Mitchell-Paden and Jack Stoll (knee) both shifting to IR, expect Moliki Matavao to play a depth role in New Orleans' tight end corps during Sunday's matchup against the Falcons.

Mitchell-Paden (knee) is ruled out for Sunday's road contest against the Titans, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports. Mitchell-Paden was unable to practice in any capacity leading up to Sunday's road matchup, so it's not much of a surprise to see him ruled out. The depth tight end's final chance to play in 2025 will come Week 18 on the road against Atlanta on Sunday, Jan. 4.

Mitchell-Paden (knee) was not present during the portion of Tuesday's practice that was open to the media, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports. Mitchell-Paden did not play in the Week 16 over the Jets due to a knee injury he sustained in Friday's practice. The Saints play Sunday against the Titans, so the 26-year-old still has three opportunities to elevate his practice participation and dodge an injury designation ahead of the game.