The New Orleans Saints will be tasked with slowing down Ezekiel Elliott on Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys, but they will receive a much-needed boost on their defensive line. According to Ian Rapoport, Sheldon Rankins is expected to make his 2019 debut after tearing his Achilles in last year's playoffs.

The Saints seemed to be rolling defensively last season until Rankins exited the NFC Divisional Round Game against the Philadelphia Eagles with a lower-body injury. Sadly, the talented defensive tackle suffered a torn Achilles and was forced to miss last year's NFC Championship Game.

Over the course of the offseason, Rankins spent endless hours rehabbing to get back on the field as soon as possible. Luckily for New Orleans, he is expected to make his return to the field in a game where he may be needed.

Last year, with Rankins manning his defensive tackle spot, the Saints had the second-best run defense in the NFL. On the other hand, without Rankins along the defensive front, New Orleans has the eighth-worst run defense in the NFL this season.

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JC Latham (Alabama), Chris Braswell (Alabama not Jaguars), Cornelieus Johnson (Michigan) in action behind a New Orleans Saints logo with a 2024 NFL Draft background.

Dylan Bruton ·

In Week 4, the Saints will have their hands full trying to contain Elliott and the Cowboys' rushing attack. Through three games, the Cowboys have the third-best rushing offense in the NFL, averaging 179 yards per game.

The Saints' defense is going to have to play their best game of the season to defeat an undefeated Dallas squad on Sunday Night Football. Fortunately, they'll have their starting defensive line intact when the two teams square off in their highly anticipated matchup in Week 4.