Saints offense still missing key pieces during Friday’s practice

By Ross Jackson

METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints wrapped up the bulk of their practice week on Friday without a number of offensive contributors on the field.

The following players were not seen during the portion of Saints practice open to the media:

WR Devaughn Vele (shoulder)

WR Mason Tipton (illness)

RB Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle)

RG Cesar Ruiz (ankle)

OL Asim Richards (ankle)

The Saints are already shorthanded in the wide receiver room, and now an ill-timed Tipton illness could cost them even further. New Orleans signed wideout Kevin Austin Jr. to the active roster and signed 6-foot-4 receiver Elijah Cooks to the practice squad.

With Devin Neal already placed on injured reserve and Kamara looking likely to miss his fourth consecutive game, running back Audric Estime will be charged with leading the way for the position group Sunday against the New York Jets.

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough will be looked at to elevate a hampered offense that will still have two of its top passing targets in wide receiver Chris Olave and tight end Juwan Johnson. But he’ll have to do it behind an offensive line that’s piling up with injuries and reserves as well.