The New Orleans Saints have a lot of injury questions to answer ahead of a showdown with the Tampa Bay Bucs to close out their season.
Starting linebacker Pete Werner did not participate in Wednesday's practice after developing concussion symptoms early in the week and entering the protocol. He did not leave the game during last week's loss to the Raiders. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi said Werner has passed the initial phase of the protocol, but his status will be important to monitor.
Werner signed a 3-year contract extension prior to the season and has been a mainstay in the defensive rotation when healthy, but did miss three games due to a hamstring injury earlier this year. Werner also played through a broken hand. He's logged 92 tackles in his 13 games, one shy of his career high.
RB Kendre Miller is also working through the concussion protocol and did not practice on Wednesday. He left the game after being slung to the ground and banging his head in the first half.
Here's how Wednesday's injury report broke down for the Saints:
DNP = did not participate; LP = limited participation; FP = full participation
- QB Derek Carr (left hand): DNP
- RB Alvin Kamara (groin): DNP
- RB Kendre Miller (concussion): DNP
- DE Payton Turner (ankle): DNP
- LB Pete Werner (concussion): DNP
- TE Juwan Johnson (knee): LP
- WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest): LP
- WR Chris Olave (head): FP
The biggest questions for the week remain Derek Carr (left hand) and Alvin Kamara (groin), both of whom are still pushing to play but have not practiced since suffering their respective injuries. Rizzi said Carr will have a simulated practice at some point this week, and his ability to function will determine whether he could play. Rizzi has repeatedly stated that Carr will not be put on the field if he's not in a position to succeed. Rizzi told WWL Radio earlier this week that the biggest issue is grip strength with that injured hand.
Here's how the Bucs' half of the injury report broke down:
- CB Jamel Dean (knee): DNP
- TE Payne Durham (quad): DNP
- TE Cade Otton (knee): DNP
- S Antoine Winfield (knee): DNP
- TE Devin Culp (ribs): LP
- WR Mike Evans (rest): LP
- DL William Gholston (knee): LP
- RB Bucky Irving (shoulder/shin): LP
- WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring): LP
- OT Tristan Wirfs (foot/knee): 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.
