The New Orleans Saints activated running back Travis Etienne off injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.
Etienne has been sidelined since Week 3 due to a hamstring injury.
The 27-year-old had 30 carries for 128 yards and 11 catches for 51 yards before the injury.
Kendre Miller and Alvin Kamara received the majority of the workload during Etienne's absence. However, neither running back was efficient, with Kamara averaging 3.3 yards per carry. Miller averaged 2.8 yards per rushing attempt before New Orleans released him Nov. 7.
Etienne's return comes at a valuable time for the Saints. New Orleans and Carolina both enter Sunday's game tied for the top record in the NFC South at 3-5.
Etienne signed a four-year, $52-million contract with the Saints in free agency this past offseason.
