By Ross Jackson
The New Orleans Saints may end up not having to go a week without one of their most important weapons after all. After being taken to the hospital after suffering a chest injury in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys, tight end and offensive weapon Taysom Hill has already returned to practice.
While that does not guarantee he will be healthy enough to play Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, seeing this progress is promising. Hill was taken to the hospital for further imaging but was able to travel home with the team. Additional tests then indicated that he avoided serious injury. That is a major development for New Orleans, which relies on Hill for several different roles and positions.
Unfortunately, was not all positive for the Saints. Safety Will Harris Jr., who has been stellar to start the season, missed due to a shin injury. His name, along with Hill’s, should draw major focus on Friday.
Here is the updated injury report for both teams from Thursday’s practices:
New Orleans Saints:
Did Not Participate
S Will Harris (Shin)
DL Khalen Saunders (Calf)
OL Landon Young (Foot)
Saunders was back at practice on Thursday, but only briefly. He did not participate enough to hit limited status. But even just his presence is a positive as he works to get back on the field in the coming weeks. If his participation continues to tick up, a Week 4 return against the Atlanta Falcons could be in the cards.
Limited Participation
TE Taysom Hill (Chest)
WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Abdomen)
WR A.T. Perry (Illness)
CB Marshon Lattimore (Hamstring)
S Tyrann Mathieu (Heel)
LB D’Marco Jackson (Calf)
LT Taliese Fuaga (Back(
Full Participation
WR Rashid Shaheed (Finger)
LB Jaylan Ford (Hamstring)
Jackson looks set to possibly make his return, reinforcing the numbers at linebacker and on special teams. Meanwhile Lattimore continues his pursuit to get back on the field as well. It looks like a Week 3 return for the Pro Bowl cornerback could be realistic.
Philadelphia Eagles
Did Not Participate
WR A.J. Brown (Hamstring)
WR Johnny WIlson (Hamstring)
S Chauncey. Gardner-Johnson (Foot)
Gardner-Johnson, the former Saints slot cornerback, was downgraded on Thursday with a foot injury. The safety has missed his chances to play against his former team in each of the last two seasons due to injury. Another chance this year could be spoiled depending on the severity of his injury. His will be an important name to watch this week, as he has been an impact player for the Eagles and Detroit Lions since his departure from New Orleans.
