The best passing offense (326.4 yards per game) and second-best scoring offense (30.2 points) in the league will be without its starting left tackle Sunday vs. the Denver Broncos.

Saints left tackle Terron Armsteadwas made inactive prior to Sunday's game against Denver in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the fourth time this season a lingering left knee injury has kept Armstead out of a game. The good news for the Saints is that because Armstead has been in and out of the lineup, the contingency plan is in place and has been effective.

Namely, left guard Andrus Peatlikely will again kick out to play left tackle, and Senio Kelemetewill slide in to start at left guard. Peat only had played left tackle before joining the Saints as their first-round draft pick in 2015, and has had more success playing the left side than on the right, where he was projected to start at right guard prior to the season.

Also active for the Saints, for the second time this season, is linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, who has battled a lingering quadriceps injury. Ellerbe only played six games last season, his first as a Saint, due to injuries and made his season debut this year in Week 8, when the Saints played the Seahawks in the Superdome and came away with a 25-20 victory.

Ellerbe's reappearance helps the Saints from a depth standpoint; Craig Robertsonand Nate Stuparare the starters, but James Laurinaitisis on injured reserve and is out for the rest of the season, Stephone Anthony(hamstring) again is inactive and Michael Mautiis inactive due to an illness.

Mauti's absence also affects the Saints special teams, as he's a core member of the unit. However, the Saints signed three players primarily as special teamers this week (safety Shiloh Keo, linebacker Sam Barringtonand tight end John Phillips). All three are active against Denver.

For the Broncos, the significant inactives – cornerback Aquib Taliband defensive end Derek Wolfe– were declared out Friday.