By Ross Jackson
METAIRIE, La. – While the door was open, the New Orleans Saints did not get either of their star hopeful returns as they closed out their final week of practice in the 2024 NFL regular season.
Here is the attendance for the open portion of the Saints’ Friday practice:
Not Seen:
QB Derek Carr (Left Hand)
RB Kendre Miller (Concussion)
RB Alvin Kamara (Groin)
Returned:
DE Payton Turner (Ankle)
Observing:
LB Willie Gay Jr. (Shoulder)
With no Carr or Kamara for the entire practice week, their potential returns are all but extinguished at this point. The Saints will likely say that there are still chances for both, but that seems highly unlikely with only a walkthrough left to go ahead of Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This would mean that rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler will get his sixth start of the season, and his second against Tampa. Meanwhile at running back, expect Baton Rogue native Clyde Edwards-Helaire to be elevated again after showing some good things last weekend against the Las Vegas Raiders. With Kamara likely out and Miller having not made it back to their field following his concussion, it seems like Edwards-Helaire will have a heavy workload on Sunday.
As for Turner, if he makes it back on the field this week, which now looks very possible with his Friday return, he will finish the year with just one game missed in Week 5 due to injury (knee). That’s a great showing for the young defensive end who is likely to get a chance to test free agency this offseason.
