Ruiz returns, Nabers limited as Saints and Giants practice Thursday

By Ross Jackson

NEW ORLEANS – The Thursday injury report includes some good news for the New Orleans Saints and concern for the New York Giants. While the Saints offensive line is finally looking healthier, the Giants offense is dealing with a concerning soft tissue injury for a former LSU star. 

Here is the information from Thursday’s injury report:

New Orleans Saints

Did Not Participate:

TE Taysom Hill (Knee)

G Nick Saldiveri (Knee)

WR Bub Means (Ankle) – 21-Day Practice Window

Limited Participation:

G Cesar Ruiz ( Concussion)

G Lucas Patrick (Calf)

C Erik McCoy (Groin)

TE Juwan Johnson (Foot)

TE Foster Moreau (Shoulder)

Full Participation:

LB Pete Werner (Hand)

RB Kendre Miller (Hamstring) – 21-Day Practice Window

S Tyrann Mathieu (Forearm)

DL Tanoh Kpassagnon (Achilles)

There were a couple of shifts for New Orleans on Thursday. Means was downgraded as he works to return from his ankle injury, though it sounds like there wasn’t much expectation that he would return right away as his 21-day practice window was opened just this week. The improvement for the Saints is that Ruiz returned to practice. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi updated on Wednesday that the offensive lineman was in concussion protocol after not feeling well following last weekend’s game. But he had already progressed through multiple steps of the process. Now, he’s returned to the field which is a great indication for his availability on Sunday against the Giants.

The Saints may field their full offensive line of starters for the first time since Week 3.

A team source tells LouisianaSports.Net that Kpassagnon’s progress is going well. However, he may not be back on the field this weekend in New York. One to watch for the following week as the Washington Commanders make their trip to the Big Easy.

New York Giants

Did Not Participate:

DB Tae Banks (Rib)

DL Hakeem Nunez-Roches (Neck/Shoulder)

LB Bobby Okereke (Back)

Limited Participation:

WR Malik Nabers (Groin)

S Tyler Nubin (Knee)

DB Dane Belton (Hip)

OL Jermaine Eluemunor (Quad)

OL Evan Neal (Hip)

DL D.J. Davidson (Shoulder)

DL Jordan Riley (Knee)

Full Participation:

QB Tommy DeVito (Right Forearm)

WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton (Achilles)

LB Dyontae Johnson (Ankle)

The big story here is Nabers. The young wideout has not had a 100-yard receiving game nor a receiving touchdown since suffering a concussion back in Week 4. However, he has strung together five consecutive 50+ receiving yard contests coming into this week’s matchup. The Saints are tied for the league lead in 40+ yard passing plays surrendered with 10 and have given up the fourth-most 20+ passing plays with 43. This is set to be a big game for Nabers. His groin injury will be one to watch.

The Giants continue to struggle with their injuries in the trenches. The No. 29 ranked rushing defense placed defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence on Injured Reserve just days ago and now are dealing with further health concerns on the defensive interior.

Meanwhile New York’s tackle tandem may end up being a patchwork unit. 

Game designations will be included in Friday’s injury report, which will provide valuable information on the complexion of this Week 14 matchup.