With their rematch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looming, the New Orleans Saints wrapped up their second practice of the week - and the injury report continues to evolve on both sides.
Let’s start in New Orleans, where the Saints made a couple of notable adjustments on Thursday. Rookie safety Jonas Sanker was added to the injury report after missing practice due to a head injury.
That’s a tough break for a young player who’s been working to carve out a role in the secondary. His status will be something to monitor closely as the week progresses.
There was some positive news, though: wide receiver Chris Olave returned to the field in a limited capacity after sitting out Wednesday’s session with a back issue. That injury popped up during practice last week ahead of the Dolphins game, and the Saints clearly exercised caution early in the week. Getting Olave back, even on a limited basis, is a promising sign for a Saints offense that needs his route-running and big-play ability.
However, the Saints are still dealing with some key absences. Star running back Alvin Kamara didn’t participate as he continues to manage knee and ankle injuries.
Offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga also remained sidelined with an ankle issue, while veteran safety Justin Reid was out with a knee injury. With Sanker also now out, the Saints’ safety depth is being tested.
Here’s where the Saints stand after Thursday’s practice:
- Limited Participation: WR Chris Olave (Back)
- Did Not Participate: RB Alvin Kamara (Knee/Ankle) T Taliese Fuaga (Ankle) S Justin Reid (Knee) S Jonas Sanker (Head)
Over in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers got a boost with three key players trending in the right direction. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, running back Bucky Irving, and wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. were all upgraded to full participants on Thursday.
That’s a big deal for an offense that’s been banged up in recent weeks. Mayfield’s left shoulder has been a concern, but full participation suggests he’s on track to start.
Same goes for Godwin, who’s been managing a fibula injury, and Irving, who’s been dealing with a shoulder issue.
The Bucs also had several other players practicing fully, including safety Rashad Wisdom (quad), pass rusher Haason Reddick (ankle), and cornerback Benjamin Morrison (hamstring). That’s a solid list of contributors who appear to be trending toward availability for Sunday.
That said, Tampa Bay’s injury report isn’t without concern. Wide receivers Jalen McMillan and Mike Evans were both limited - McMillan with a neck issue, Evans with a collarbone injury. Both are currently on injured reserve, but their limited participation suggests the team is monitoring their progress closely.
The biggest question mark remains offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, who didn’t practice Thursday due to an oblique injury. Wirfs is a cornerstone of the Bucs’ offensive line, and his availability could have a major impact on how Tampa Bay protects Mayfield against a Saints pass rush that can still get after the quarterback.
Here’s the full breakdown for the Buccaneers:
- Full Participation: S Rashad Wisdom (IR) Quad OLB Haason Reddick (Ankle) CB Benjamin Morrison (Hamstring) QB Baker Mayfield (Left Shoulder) RB Bucky Irving (Shoulder) WR Chris Godwin Jr. (Fibula)
- Limited Participation: WR Jalen McMillan (IR) (Neck) WR Mike Evans (IR) (Collarbone)
- Did Not Participate: T Tristan Wirfs (Oblique)
As both teams gear up for a critical NFC South showdown, health is going to be a major storyline. The Saints are trying to get key playmakers like Olave and Kamara back in the fold, while the Bucs are hoping their offensive trio of Mayfield, Irving, and Godwin can stay healthy and productive.
With the division still very much up for grabs, every snap - and every name on the injury report - matters.