METAIRIE – The New Orleans Saints returned to the practice field on Thursday to continue preparations for their home opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
All eyes were cast on New Orleans running back Travis Etienne Jr., who is managing a hamstring injury, as the local media entered the facility. The search returned positive results for the Saints with the star present and participating.
However, another running back was missing instead: fourth-year back Kendre Miller.
Here is the attendance from Thursday’s Saints practice:
Not Seen:
- RB Kendre Miller
- WR Barion Brown (hamstring)
- CB Martin Emerson Jr. (shoulder)
- DL Christen Miller (toe)
- DL Davon Godchaux (likely rest)
- WR Trey Palmer (undisclosed)
The absence of running back Miller is a concerning one for a Saints team that’s struggled to get its run game going. However, the running back was inactive last week in favor of getting undrafted rookie C.J. Donaldson more opportunities both as a short-yardage back and pass protector.
Donaldson’s role could again be important this week with the Raiders tied for the NFL’s lead in team sacks.
Brown, the team’s primary kick returner, was absent for the second day. That’s likely to thrust STAR/slot backup Jayden Price, and fellow rookie wideout Bryce Lance, into the primary returner roles if Brown is unable to go in the Week 3 showdown.
Along with Etienne, edge rusher Chase Young, who was listed as limited with a calf injury on Wednesday, was present and in good spirits throughout the practice. It does not appear, as was the case last week against the Baltimore Ravens, that there is any limitation in concern with his injury listing.
