Werner, Miller among absences as Saints prep for Bucs

Metairie, La. – On what has been a somber day, the New Orleans Saints returned to practice on Wednesday. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi said that the practice began with a team meeting and prayer in support of the city following a senseless act of violence in the famed French Quarter.

With the heaviness of the day still felt, the team took to the practice field in preparation for this weekend’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a game in which the team feels uniquely motivated to go out and compete following Wednesday’s events.

Here is the information from Wednesday’s injury report:

New Orleans Saints

Did Not Participate:

QB Derek Carr (Left Hand)

LB Pete Werner (Concussion)

RB Kendre Miller (Concussion)

RB Alvin Kamara (Groin)

DE Payton Turner (Ankle)

Limited Participation:

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Chest)

TE Juwan Johnson (Knee)

Full Participation:

WR Chris Olave (Head)

The door is still open for Carr, Kamara and Olave to take the field this weekend. Carr will be put through a game simulation either Thursday or Friday to see if he could possibly be ready to go in time against Tampa Bay. Kamara continues to rehab and try to work his way back as well. 

Meanwhile, Olave “had a great practice,” Rizzi said. The wide receiver continues to vie for his chances to finish the season on the field as well. Rizzi said that the team will take all three down to the wire before deciding he can and cannot take the field. However, he is assured that the team will not put any of those players at risk just for the sake of playing them.

Werner and Miller are still in concussion protocol. Rizzi did say that Werner has passed the first step and, assuming there are no setbacks, will be back out at practice at some capacity on Wednesday.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Did Not Participate:

CB Jamel Deam (Knee)

TE Payne Durham (Quadriceps)

TE Cade Otton (Knee)

S Antoine Winfield (Knee)

Limited Participation:

TE Devin Culp (Ribs)

WR Mike Evans (Rest)

DL Williams Gholston (Knee)

RB Bucky Irving (Shoulder/Shin)

WR Sterling Shepard (Hamstring)

T Tristan Wirfs (Foot/Knee)

The Buccaneers tight end room and secondary are a bit banged up going into this win-and-in situation. Evans and Irving are the pair of names that can have the biggest impact on offense for Tampa. Both should be fine going into the game. Evans is 75 receiving yards away from his 11th consecutive 1,000 yard receiving season. The Saints have been susceptible to big plays in the passing game this year and Evans is sure to get a lot of attention on Sunday.