The New Orleans Saints got some mixed news on their Thursday injury report ahead of a Week 18 showdown with the Bucs.
Two players were upgraded, including LB Pete Werner, who is progressing through the concussion protocol and got in limited work. WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling practice in full as he works back from a chest injury that was reaggravated from a big hit late in the loss to the Raiders. MVS has operated as the team's leading receiver with 16 catches for 378 yards and four touchdowns since joining the team midseason.
Another linebacker popped up on Thursday, though, with Willie Gay being listed as limited with a shoulder issue.
Here's how the full injury report broke down for the Saints:
DNP = did not participate; LP = limited participation; FP = full participation
- QB Derek Carr (left hand): DNP | DNP
- RB Alvin Kamara (groin): DNP | DNP
- RB Kendre Miller (concussion): DNP | DNP
- DE Payton Turner (ankle): DNP | DNP
- LB Pete Werner (concussion): DNP | LP
- TE Juwan Johnson (knee): LP | LP
- WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest): LP | FP
- WR Chris Olave (head): FP | FP
- LB Willie Gay (shoulder): n/a | LP
There's still been no movement for Derek Carr (left hand) or Alvin Kamara (groin), meaning they are trending toward missing the final week of the season with their respective injuries.
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The bigger question is likely the status of Chris Olave, who has been a full participant for the last several practices and appears healthy enough to play if the team feels comfortable bringing him back off of injured reserve. Olave has not played since being carted off the field strapped to a backboard during the Week 9 loss to the Panthers.
Rizzi has left the door open for a return for each of Carr, Kamara and Olave despite the team being eliminated from the playoffs, with all three expressing a desire to play regardless of the circumstances.
“Just want to see him get through maybe three or four days in a row but, you know, heck, he had a really great day [Wednesday], so we’ll leave that door open as well," Rizzi said. "That’s a little different situation, obviously, because we’re dealing with coming back off of multiple concussions.”
Here's how the Bucs' half of the injury report broke down:
- CB Jamel Dean (knee): DNP | DNP
- TE Payne Durham (quad): DNP | LP
- TE Cade Otton (knee): DNP | LP
- S Antoine Winfield (knee): DNP | LP
- TE Devin Culp (ribs): LP | FP
- WR Mike Evans (rest): LP | DNP
- DL William Gholston (knee): LP | LP
- RB Bucky Irving (shoulder/shin): LP | LP
- WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring): LP | LP
- OT Tristan Wirfs (foot/knee): LP | LP
The Saints (5-11) visit the Bucs (9-7) for a noon start at Raymond James Stadium in Week 18. Catch all the action on WWL and Audacy.