Two Saints starters return for Saturday’s practice

By Ross Jackson

METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints wrapped up their practice week with better health than they started, which is great news as they get ready to travel up north for their Monday Night Football matchup with the Green Bay Packers. The team finally got two players back from illness and two that will surely play a large role in the Week 16 contest.

Here is the attendance from the portion of Saturday’s Saints practice that was open to the media:

Not seen:

QB Derek Carr (Left Hand/Concussion)

WR Bub Means (Ankle)

RB Alvin Kamara (Groin)

Returned:

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Chest/Illness)

DE Chase Young (Illness)

As expected, no Carr or Kamara this week. While Interim head coach Darren Rizzi has left the door open for the seasons’ starting quarterback to take the field without practice in the past, things don’t look to be heading that direction this week. Instead, rookie passer Spencer Rattler will see his fourth start of the season, his first under Rizzi’s leadership.

With Kamara already expected to be out, running back Kendre Miller will be thrust into a larger role. Backs Jamaal Williams, Jordan Mims and potentially Clyde Edwards-Helaire will also be looked at to step in and help get the run game going in a cold weather game.

Having Valdes-Scantling and Young back is big for the Saints. Young’s past two weeks have been particularly strong. He finished the win over the New York Giants with a career-high tying 10 pressures and added two sacks against his former team, the Washington Commanders last week. He will be integral in putting pressure on Packers passer Jordan Love on Monday.

Valdes-Scantling and Rattler connected on a pair of big plays last week. One pass went for 39 yards and another for 25. The two will be the team’s best bet as a duo to connect for more chunk plays moving ahead through the remainder of the season.

Wide receiver Chris Olave was again present. The media didn’t see any team drills on Saturday so his participation level is currently unknown. But still a good sign that he continues to be out on the practice field at all.

The Saints and Packers will release their injury reports this afternoon, which will include game designations as well.