Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said Saubert (back) won't play in Thursday's game against the Saints, Kelsey Conway of the Falcons' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The back issue prevented Saubert from practicing at any point this week and will force his first absence of the 2017 campaign. Exclusively a blocking tight end and special-teams contributor, Saubert doesn't offer any appeal in the fantasy realm.

Saubert (back) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's estimated practice report.

EDGE Analysis

The exact nature of Saubert's issue is unclear, but the Falcons did not actually take the practice field Monday, so the report is just an estimation. However, being listed as a DNP on a short week surely isn't an encouraging sign for the tight end's status heading into Thursday's bout with the Saints.

The Falcons selected Saubert in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, 174th overall.

EDGE Analysis

Saubert, a small school product out of Drake, has some intriguing traits that should translate to the NFL. He checks in at 6-foot-5 with big hands and he posted a strong 121-inch broad jump at the combine. Like any small school player, there will be a learning curve for Saubert, but he has reliable hands and the frame to hold up in the NFL.