By Ross Jackson
It’s a mixed bag of news for the New Orleans Saints on Thursday. The team sees one of its most important players elevate to full participation after a long hip flexor injury battle, but then saw one of its top receivers not participate. The Saints and Carolina Panthers are nearing kickoff this weekend, here is the updated injury report following each team’s Thursday’s practice:
Saints Week 1 Injury Report – Thursday
Full Participation:
LB Pete Werner (Shoulder)
CB Marshon Lattimore (Hip)
Limited Participation:
LB Willie Gay Jr. (Back)
OL Nick Saldiveri (Calf)
Did Not Participate:
WR A.T. Perry (Hand)
DT Khalen Saunders (Ankle)
LB D’Marco Jackson (Calf)
LB Jaylan Ford (Hamstring)
TE Dallin Holker (Ankle)
Lattimore bumping up to full participation is big news for the Saints. Having their top players ready to go for their secondary will be a big factor in Sunday’s matchup. With Perry missing with a hand injury, wide receiver becomes an important position to watch. If the injury is of the severity that holds him out of the Week 1 game, expect rookie wideout Mason Tipton to step in to a larger role, though still one much smaller than what is expected with the top starters in Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and Cedrick Wilson Jr.
Panthers Week 1 Injury Report – Thursday
Full Participation:
RB Miles Sanders (Finger)
Limited Participation:
CB Troy Hill (Heel)
OT Yoshua Nijman (Tibia)
Did Not Participate:
TE Ian Thomas (Calf)
TE Tommy Tremble (Back/Hamstring)
The Panthers got a boost with the return of Sanders to full participation. A much-needed energizer for the team that intends to predicate their offense around him and fellow back Chubba Hubbard. The Saints run defense will be quickly put to the test Week 1.
