Pete Werner sits out Saints practice Thursday

By Ross Jackson

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints are close to having their full complement of currently available players back on the field. Only a couple of question marks remain. But the team’s offensive line is set to return an impactful piece and the cornerback room is ready for the return of its second-round rookie against the Cleveland Browns. All signs are pointing towards a pair of key returns. However, linebacker Pete Werner has not yet participated this week. So the second level of the defense could end up looking a little different during Sunday’s game.

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

Not Seen:

RB Jamaal Williams (Groin)

DE Trajan Jeffcoat

G Lucas Patrick (Ankle)

Observing: 

LB Pete Werner

It was a pretty steady hold going into Thursday’s practice with effectively the same list of players missing as Wednesday.

The good news is that both center Erik McCoy and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry have continued to practice this week. The Saints would eagerly welcome both back to their lineup this weekend. McKinstry would allow the team to get a look at its two possible starting cornerbacks of the future against a quarterback in Jameis Winston who can be volatile with the ball. Meanwhile McCoy would give New Orleans the best chance to be able to run the ball and get their offense’s play action passing game rolling.

Quarterback Derek Carr has seen a lot of success this season throwing out of play action dropbacks. Meanwhile, per Pro Football Focus, the Browns defense ranks No. 30 in passing yards allowed against play action.