By Ross Jackson
METAIRIE, La. – Great news for the New Orleans Saints as they have now begun to return one of the best players on the roster, center Erik McCoy. Otherwise, their practice attendance is holding strong. Interim Head Coach Darren Rizzi said on Wednesday that the team has added an “activation period” to help keep players warm and safe throughout the practice week. So far, that’s worked through the first pair of practices after several in-practice injuries have taken place in the early goings of the year.
With one practice day ahead, New Orlans will look to hold strong in terms of its health before squaring off with the Atlanta Falcons this weekend.
Here is the attendance from the open portion of Thursday’s Saints practice:
Not Seen:
WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Shoulder)
WR Chris Olave (Concussion)
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (Hamstring)
G Lucas Patrick (Ankle)
Return:
C Erik McCoy (Groin)
This indicates McCoy’s 21-day practice window is open, putting him right on track with his previously expected timeline. The belief is that McCoy will be back on the field by the team’s Week 13 showdown with the Los Angeles Rams. Sources with knowledge of his progress have told LouisianaSports.Net that he is trying to beat that timeline, but ultimately the Rams game is the most likely return date for now.
The Saints and Atlanta Falcons will release their updated injury reports Thursday afternoon. Atlanta’s report from Wednesday was estimated, so updates there could be very interesting.
