NEW ORLEANS - Saints general manager Mickey Loomis announced on Thursday that running back Travis Etienne has been placed on injured reserve and will miss at least the next four games with a hamstring injury.

Etienne pulled up in a rushing attempt in the third quarter of the Saints game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.

Should the Saints running back recovery progress on time Etienne could return for the Saints home game against the Cleveland Browns on November 8 after the teams first open date of the year.

Etienne had a season-high 19 carries for 57 yards to pace a Saints running back room that has been plagued by injury this season. Running back Alvin Kamara dealt with a knee injury in the early season and Kendre Miller has fought injuries throughout his time in New Orleans.

Kamara, Miller and rookie CJ Donaldson will now lead the Saints ground game as they prepare to host the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night in the Superdome.