Erik McCoy missed all three practices ahead of Week 13, but he's still got a chance to play.
Head coach Darren Rizzi said that while he hasn't been on the field with the team, he's been getting work off to the side as he continues to work through a groin issue. Rizzi said McCoy is one of a select few players in the building who would be trusted to get on the field without practice.
"He’s a difference-maker and so we’re trying to make sure we’re doing the right thing by him," Rizzi said.
McCoy missed seven games on injured reserve after undergoing groin surgery before returning during Week 11 against the Browns. He left early due to the current groin issue and was replaced by Shane Lemieux, who would be expected to play at center again if needed. The only player ruled out for the game was G/C Lucas Patrick, who will now miss his third game with a calf injury.
Here's how the Saints final injury report broke down on Friday:
- DNP = did not participate; LP = limited participation; FP = full participation
- C Erik McCoy (groin): DNP | DNP | DNP - questionable
- G Lucas Patrick (calf): DNP | DNP | DNP - out
- TE Foster Moreau (shoulder): LP | LP | LP
- RB Jamaal Williams (groin): LP | LP | FP - questionable
- LB Pete Werner (hand): FP | FP | FP
- DE Tanoh Kpassagnon (achilles): FP | FP | FP - questionable
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Two more players appear like they could make injury returns this week, but it'll come down to the wire. Jamaal Williams (groin) practiced in full for the first time since Week 8 and is listed as questionable. DE Tanoh Kpassagnon practiced in full all three days and said he feels even better than anticipated after spending the first 12 weeks on IR. The team will decide on Saturday whether to activate the veteran DE. If they chose to do so they'd have to make a cut to open a roster spot. The team has up to 21 days before he officially has to be added back to the roster.
"He felt really good after the Wednesday practice, a couple days," Rizzi said. "He felt like he was really ahead of where he thought he’d be and, you know, got to shake the rust off a little bit. He’s been out for a while, but I’m really pleased having him back, where he’s at.”
Here's how the Rams' final injury report broke down, with two players ruled out:
- OL Alaric Jackson (foot): DNP | DNP | DNP - questionable
- CB Charles Woods (ankle): LP | FP | FP
- TE Tyler Higbee (knee): LP | FP | FP - out
- OL Rob Havenstein (ankle): FP | FP | FP
- OL KT Leveston (ankle): FP | FP | FP - out
The Saints (4-7) host the Rams (5-6) for a 3:05 p.m. kickoff at the Caesars Superdome. Catch all the action on WWL and Audacy.