“He’s progressing well,” coach Kellen Moore said. “We’ll finish off this week, but yeah, doing well.”

Etienne rushed for 128 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries before injuring his hamstring during the third quarter of a Week 3 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. New Orleans has cycled through various lead back options in his absence, but may have settled upon an ideal counterpart last week in Audric Estimé, who rushed for 72 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries against Cleveland.

While Etienne said the decision about whether he plays is ultimately not up to him, he said he felt “great” after a week of practice, and he continued to improve throughout the week.

“I’m just trying to keep my head focused to get on my game plan so when they do call me up, I’m ready,” Etienne said. “I feel great, I want to be out there with the team, I want to be out there with the guys, but it’s not up to me.”

New Orleans will be without offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga (knee), center Erik McCoy (bicep), defensive lineman Christen Miller (knee) and running back C.J. Donaldson (shoulder). Defensive back Martin Emerson (shin) is questionable.

For Carolina, linebacker Bobby Okereke (foot) is out, running back Jonathan Brooks (groin) and corner Michael Jackson (groin) are doubtful, and guard Brady Christensen (hamstring), cornerback Will Lee (hamstring), wide receiver Xavier Legette (knee) and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips (hamstring) are questionable.