The New Orleans Saints are still not back to full strength, or the version of it that’s available to them, after Thursday’s practice. But they did get some good news at wide receiver as they prepare to take on the NFC South division champion hopeful Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Here is the information from Thursday’s injury report.
New Orleans Saints
Did Not Participate:
QB Derek Carr (Left Hand)
RB Kendre Miller (Concussion)
RB Alvin Kamara (Groin)
DE Payton Turner
Limited Participation:
LB Pete Werner (Concussion)
TE Juwan Johnson (Knee)
LB Willie Gay Jr. (Shoulder)
Full Participation:
WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Chest)
WR Chris Olave (Head)
Not a ton of positive movement for the Saints, who are still leaving the door open for a Carr and Kamara return. However, neither have made it back to practice just yet. With only one day of practice remaining and a walkthrough on Saturday, it’s not looking promising for the two stars at this point.
The Saints did get some good news, however. Werner was elevated as a limited participant on Thursday as he continues to progress through concussion protocol. Wideout Valdes-Scantling also elevated to full, after being limited for the majority of the last few weeks with a chest injury. Having him full speed could be very beneficial for rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, who is expected to start again if Carr can’t return.
The door is still open for Olave to return as well, but only if there were no further risk to his situation.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Did Not Participate:
WR Mike Evans (Rest)
CB Jamel Dean (Knee)
Limited Participation:
TE Payne Durham (Quadriceps)
TE Cade Otton (Knee)
S Antoine Winfield (Knee)
DL William Gholston (Knee)
RB Bucky Irving (Shoulder/Shin)
WR Sterling Shepard (Hamstring)
T Tristan Wirfs (Foot/Knee)
Full Participation:
TE Devin Culp (Ribs)
Evans is 85 receiving yards shy of tying the record for most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. His absence from practice looks to be rest related and therefore unlikely to impact his availability on Sunday.
The Bucs’ secondary is getting healthier with Winfield elevated to limited after not participating in Wednesday.
