Saints CBs Lattimore, McKinstry absent from Friday’s practice

By Ross Jackson

METAIRIE, La – The New Orleans Saints looked a little healthier on Friday, but are still dealing with impactful attrition in the cornerback room. The Saints will be set with at least one spot thanks to corner Alontae Taylor’s consistent play on the outside, but there’s a chance that the Saints may have to turn to players on their practice squad to help fill additional gaps.

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

Not Seen:

CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (Hamstring)

WR Bub Means (Ankle)

CB Marshon Lattimore (Hamstring)

RB Kendre Miller (Hamstring)

CB Rico Payton (Back) – left as stretch began

Return:

DT John Ridgeway III (Oblique)

Altogether, the Saints are at least looking a bit healthier. However, that cornerback room is looking awfully slim. Talented practice squad players Shemar Jean-Charles and Tre Herndon may have to take on a much larger role this weekend against the Carolina Panthers. 

Expect, in that case, safety Ugo Amadi to potentially man the slot while Taylor stays outside in nickel sets. Otherwise Taylor could move into the slot while one of the other corners (Herndon) handles the boundary. Jean-Charles was used heavily on the outside during the preseason, so his staying there would be logical.

With Payton having left before stretch, it does at least signal some level of participation. But he may not be listed as limited based on the percentage he was involved. The injury report, with game designations, will be released in the afternoon