The New Orleans Saints are in desperate need of a win as they head out to L.A. for a showdown with the Chargers, and they should have some reinforcements as they do it.
Five players that missed Week 7 with injuries returned to Saints practice this week, a group that includes RG Cesar Ruiz (knee), C/G Lucas Patrick (chest), TE Taysom Hill (rib), WR Chris Olave (concussion) and LB Pete Werner (hamstring).
Olave remains in the concussion protocol, but a return to practice this early in the week is a sign that he is progressing towards a return. Hill has not played since he was forced out early during the Week 4 loss to the Falcons, while Ruiz has not played since a Week 3 loss to the Eagles.
Here's how the Saints' initial injury report broke down on Wednesday:
- LP = limited participation; FP = full participation; DNP = did not participate
- QB Derek Carr (oblique): DNP
- G Nick Saldiveri (shoulder): DNP
- RG Cesar Ruiz (knee): LP
- C/G Lucas Patrick (chest): LP
- LB Pete Werner (hamstring): LP
- C Connor McGovern (back): LP
- WR Chris Olave (concussion): LP
- DT Khalen Saunders (back): LP
- TE Taysom Hill (rib): LP
- RB Alvin Kamara (hand/rib): LP
- WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. (hip): LP
- TE Juwan Johnson (shoulder): LP
- CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring): FP
- QB Spencer Rattler (hip): FP
Another bit of good news is that while Marshon Lattimore was listed with a hamstring injury, he participated fully and looks like a good bet to not miss time. Lattimore was out for a good chunk of camp with a hamstring issue and was also held out of Week 2.
The next step for the Saints will be getting some of these players back to full participation, and then into game action. Only two players missed practice entirely in the form of Derek Carr (oblique), who threw this week but is unlikely to be ready to take the field on Sunday, and Nick Saldiveri (shoulder). Rookie QB Spencer Rattler is expected to make his third start in Carr's absence and was also listed on the injury report, though he practiced fully.
The Saints are hopeful that a return to health will spur an end to their current five-game losing streak against the Chargers team that's banged up in its own right.
Here's how the Chargers' side of the injury report broke down:
- WR Derius Davis (hamstring): DNP
- TE Will Dissly (shoulder): DNP
- TE Hayden Hurst (groin): DNP
- WR Ladd McConkey (hip): DNP
- LB Denzel Perryman (toe): DNP
- WR Quenton Johnston (ankle): DNP
- OLB Joey Bosa (hip): LP
- WR DJ Chark (groin): LP
- CB Kristian Fulton (hamstring): LP
- OLB Khalil Mack (rest): LP
- Ja'Sir Taylor (fibula): LP
The Saints (2-5) visit the Chargers (3-3) Sunday afternoon at SoFi Stadium. Catch all the action on WWL and Audacy.
