Ahead of their clash against the New Orleans Saints, the Seattle Seahawks have been handicapped as they will be without their starting guard Damien Lewis and pass rusher Darrell Taylor.

Both Lewis and Taylor were named among Seattle’s inactives.

Taylor suffered a neck injury during the fourth quarter last week against Pittsburgh and soon he was taken off the field on a backboard. Although Taylor was cleared to practice during the week, he had been listed as questionable.

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Lewis was doubtful after suffering a shoulder strain against the Steelers. Alex Collins, the running back who was hurt late in last week’s game, was active this week. Seattle dismissed offensive tackle Cedric Ogbuehi and promoted running back Rashaad Penny from injured reserve. Penny is expected to see a lot of carries.

Defensive lineman L.J. Collier, backup quarterback Jacob Eason, reserve offensive lineman Stone Forsythe, and backup defensive back John Reid were among Seattle’s other inactives.

While Seattle is in bad shape, New Orleans is improving. Before Monday’s game, the Saints reinstated linebacker Kwon Alexander, defensive end Marcus Davenport, and wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith from injured reserve. To make room on the roster, the Saints dismissed offensive lineman Will Clapp and defensive tackle Albert Huggins.

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Four of the Saints inactive players — Taysom Hill (concussion), Deonte Harris (hamstring), Payton Turner (calf) and Dwayne Washington (neck) had already been ruled out. Also inactive for the Saints were backup QB Ian Book, defensive lineman Malcolm Roach and defensive end Jalyn Holmes.

Meanwhile, this past week, several Seattle Seahawks players were designated for return from injured reserve to the active roster. They include starting defensive end Marcus Davenport, who sacked Aaron Rodgers in Week 1 but hasn’t played since because of a pectoral strain. Also back — at least at practice — are starting linebacker Kwon Alexander, starting receiver Tre’Quan Smith and veteran kicker Wil Lutz.

With inputs from the Associated Press