The New Orleans Saints are dealing with a significant amount of injuries to critical players. Khalen Saunders may not be viewed in the same esteem as Taysom Hill, but he is an important piece of the Saints defensive line.

Saunders is currently dealing with a back injury that threatens his game status against the Denver Broncos. As for right now, Saunders is listed as questionable. Per NFL insider Josina Anderson, New Orleans is hoping to get an understanding if Saunders can play prior to getting to the stadium.

Nathan Shepherd and possibly Khristian Boyd will line up next to Bryan Bresee if Saunders is unable to play. Boyd has been inactive, but he would likely be activated to replace Saunders. Saunders is currently listed as questionable.

The defensive line has struggled most notably in the run game. Big leads in the beginning of the season took the run game out of play for teams, but that hasn't been the case recently. With running the football still on the table, opponents have taken advantage of a weak New Orleans run defense.

The pass rush hasn't been great either. Khalen Saunders isn't the biggest name, but the Saints aren't at a place where they can afford losing bodies at defensive tackle.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Veteran defensive tackle will be a game-time decision