The New Orleans Saints got one key player back to practice on Wednesday, but another has been ruled out in advance for Week 1.
Saints running back Alvin Kamara returned to practice on Wednesday after missing more than three weeks with a knee injury. It was his first practice action since leaving early during a joint workout with the Cowboys after it appeared he had a teammate blocked into his knee. Kamara could be seen participating in stretch and individual work during the portion open to the media, but was listed as a limited participant on the team's initial Week 1 injury report. Head coach Kellen Moore said how Kamara responds to his first day of practice will impact his availability against the Lions.
Returning alongside Kamara was RB Kendre Miller, who left practice with a trainer last week due to an undisclosed issue.
On the other end of the spectrum is Cam Jordan, who has already been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The missed game will be just his third in 15 seasons and the second due to injury.
"[Cam was going] to do everything possible to play in this game. ... He's progressing well," Moore said. "He's done a good job trough this recovery process and we'll take it week by week."
Here's how the initial injury report broke down:
DNP = did not participate; LP = limited participation; FP = full participation
- TE Oscar Delp (hamstring): DNP
- RB Audric Estime (thigh): DNP
- DE Cam Jordan (hamstring): DNP
- RB Alvin Kamara (knee): LP
Estime said confidently last week that he was not dealing with any lingering issues after injuries in the preseason, making his absence a bit puzzling. His status will be one to watch, but becomes less of an issue if Kamara and Miller are ready for Week 1.
The Lions have a longer injury list heading into Week 1, but no DNPs:
- DB Christian Izien (groin): LP
- DE Derrick Moore (hamstring): LP
- DL Mekhi Wingo (groin): LP
- CB Keith Abney II (hand): FP
- S Thomas Harper (ankle): FP
- LB Trevor Nowaske (knee): FP
- CB Ennis Rakestraw (ankle): FP
- LB JImmy Rolder (hamstring): FP
