Questionable
Injury Ankle
Est. Return 2/9/2026
2024 Defense Stats
TCKL
47
SACKS
3.0
INT
0
FF
1
TD
0
2025 Projections
2025 Fantasy Outlook
Shepherd has been solid since joining the Saints in 2023, totaling 87 tackles, including 4.5 sacks, while playing 33 regular-season games. That said, he'll have more competition for snaps on the interior defensive line after New Orleans traded for defensive tackle Davon Godchaux in March. The team also is shifting to a 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. With added competition for snaps and fewer defensive-line spots, Shepherd yields little IDP utility. Read Past Outlooks
Out for Sunday
Shepherd (ankle/knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Falcons, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.
ANALYSIS
The Fort Hays State product didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday and is now in line to miss the Saints' season finale due to ankle and knee injuries. Shepherd had one of the best years of his career in 2025, tallying 47 total tackles, including 3.0 sacks, and one forced fumble across 16 contests. While he's sidelined Sunday, expect John Ridgeway to operate as one of the Saints' top defensive ends.
The Fort Hays State product didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday and is now in line to miss the Saints' season finale due to ankle and knee injuries. Shepherd had one of the best years of his career in 2025, tallying 47 total tackles, including 3.0 sacks, and one forced fumble across 16 contests. While he's sidelined Sunday, expect John Ridgeway to operate as one of the Saints' top defensive ends.
NFL Stats
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2024
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2024 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
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2024 Nathan Shepherd Split Stats
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Measurables Review
How do Nathan Shepherd's measurables compare to other defensive tackles?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
6' 4"Weight
315 lbs40-Yard Dash
5.09 secShuttle Time
4.53 secCone Drill
7.50 secVertical Jump
31.0 inBroad Jump
112 inHand Length
10.13 inArm Length
32.38 in
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
2024
2023
Shepherd logged career highs in sacks (three) and tackles (50) during his first season in New Orleans. The six-year veteran will reprise a starting spot at defensive tackle alongside Khalen Saunders.
More Fantasy News
Receives extension from Saints
The Saints signed Shepherd to a one-year extension Monday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.
ANALYSIS
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Plays 16 games in 2024
Shepherd made one solo tackle during Sunday's 27-19 loss to the Buccaneers.
ANALYSIS
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Able to suit up Sunday
Shepherd (eye) is active for Sunday's Week 17 tilt against Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
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Questionable to play vs. Raiders
Shepherd (eye) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders after logging a full practice Friday, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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Estimated as full participant
Shepherd (eye) was listed as a full participant on New Orleans' practice estimate Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
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