The New Orleans Saints are one step closer to seeing some key contributors and playmakers return to the field ahead of Sunday’s upcoming matchup at the Baltimore Ravens.
Running back Alvin Kamara was again a full participant on Wednesday’s practice, the first of Week 2. He was upgraded to a full participant during the final Week 1 practice as well and head coach Kellen Moore delivered a promising update for his availability against the Ravens based on his near return for Detroit.
“He probably could have gone last week,” Moore said. “I think it was just a matter of time on task, getting a full week of work. I thought he did an amazing job of putting himself in position last week to practice really well. He’s in a great place.”
In addition to Kamara, edge rusher Cameron Jordan was back on the field again after making his return during the final Week 1 practice. The team also welcomed rookie tight end Oscar Delp to the practice field for the first time this regular season.
Both players were limited as they have been working back from hamstring injuries.
Jordan has only missed two career games, including Week 1 against the Detroit Lions, because of injury in his 16-year career. It’s going to be tough to keep him off the field for a second straight week, but the Saints will be patient and how th4 week progresses for both him and Delp.
Only two players were not spotted during Wednesday’s practice: tight end Juwan Johnson and linebacker Isaiah Stalbird.
Johnson missed with an illness while Stalbird was out with a shoulder injury. He grabbed at his left shoulder after making a special teams tackle against the Lions. He was briefly examined on the sideline before returning to the game.
He’ll be one to watch as the week goes on. If he cannot go, it would be expected that linebacker Jackson Sirmon could be called up from the practice squad to help out on special teams, and provide more depth at the position alongside linebacker Chris Rumph II.
The Saints are trending toward fielding a healthy group against the Ravens in Week 2.
