Former Chiefs linebacker declared out in first visit back to Arrowhead for Week 5

When the New Orleans Saints visit the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5 for their primetime match up on Monday Night Football, there will be a lot of catching up to do among players before and after the game—much more so than a typical contest. That's because of the number of familiar faces on the visiting squad.

One key player for the Saints won't be able to do his talking on the field, however, since Willie Gay Jr. has been declared out for Week 5.

The Saints released their injury report on Saturday before the Monday evening game, and they'll be missing several players including Gay, who will be forced to sit with a hand injury suffered during the team's Week 4 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

The New Orleans Saints will be without several key players against the Chiefs, including former K.C. linebacker Willie Gay Jr.

Gay is a former member of the Chiefs who left the team last spring when he was eligible to hit free agency for the first time. The Chiefs brought back a lot of defenders for another Super Bowl run, but the team had an abundance of talent at linebacker and it was cost prohibitive to keep everyone.

The Saints landed Gay on a one-year deal worth up to $3 million for '24, and while he's battled a couple of injuries already, the team has raved about the skill set and leadership he's brought to the team.

Gay will still be happy to see some old friends, to be sure, and he's not the only one. From defensive tackle Khalen Saunders to pass rusher Tanoh Kpassagnon to safety Tyrann Mathieu, the Saints have developed an affinity for former Chiefs defenders in the last few seasons.

Also on the Saints injury report are a number of other faces who have already been declared out, including guard Cesar Ruiz, tight end Taysom Hill, defensive end Peyton Turner, and offensive lineman Shane Lemieux. Linebacker Pete Werner is also a notable entry as questionable given his importance to the defense.

The good news for the Saints is that Demario Davis has been termed good to go, which will bring back at least their most talented linebacker to the fray after being injured himself. Davis was forced to miss Week 4's close loss to the Falcons due to a hamstring injury.

The Chiefs and Saints are scheduled to kick off at 7:15 p.m. CT on Monday Night Football.