Saints weapons return to practice Thursday

METAIRIE, LOU. – Several key returns were reported during New Orleans Saints practice on Thursday. With a rookie quarterback set to make his debut, any good news is welcome.  Starting running back Alvin Kamara and field-stretching wide receiver Rashid Shaheed returned. Spencer Rattler will likely lean heavily on both of them come Sunday.

Here is the information from Thursday’s injury report:

New Orleans Saints:

Did Not Participate:

QB Derek Carr (Oblique)

S Will Harris Jr. (Hamstring)

TE Taysom Hill (Rib)

LB Pete Werner (Hamstring)

G Cesar Ruiz (Knee)

C/G Lucas Patrick (Chest)

Limited Participation:

WR Rashid Shaheed (Hip)

RB Alvin Kamara (Hip/Hand)

DE Payton Turner (Knee)

Full Participation:

LB Willie Gay Jr. (Hand)

RB Kendre Miller (Hamstring)

Shaheed said during his media availability that he would be expects to be good to go this weekend. He is battling what he referred to as a “minor” hip injury, but it sounds like it is mostly precaution to keep him rested throughout the week so far.

A couple of key injuries to keep an eye on from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers side of things include starting center Graham Barton, who has not yet practiced this week, and two downgrades for running back Rachaad White and defensive lineman William Gholston. The team does look on track to get a pair of important pieces back, though. Wide receiver Jalen McMillan and defensive tackle Calijah Kancey have both been back at practice. McMillan has been limited while Kancey has been back to full participation.