Saints have full attendance of healthy players on Friday

By Ross Jackson

METAIRIE, La. – This is about as good of news as the team could hope for going into their Week 8 game. Every active roster player for the New Orleans Saints was present for Friday’s practice.

After players like wide receiver Chris Olave, cornerback Alontae Taylor and defensive end Chase Young started the week off not participating, each were present for the final two days of practice. Two of them missed Wednesday for non-injury related purposes in the first place. 

Meanwhile, tight end Juwan Johnson was again in a standard uniform after beginning the week in a non-contact red top and gloves.

New Orleans will still be missing Week 1 starters and contributors, of course, that are on Injured Reserve. Safety Julian Blackmon, center Erik McCoy and running back Kendre Miller are all paramount among them. 

In place of McCoy, expect center Luke Fortner to get the start and for rookie running back Devin Neal to see his snaps increase with Miller hurt.

The Saints have all shared their confidence in Fortner, a veteran offensive lineman in the league and Neal is viewing this opportunity as a dream come true and opportunity to show that he can be a contributor as early as his inaugural season.