One big name returned to practice with the New Orleans Saints on Thursday: wide receiver Chris Olave, who has been managing back spasms, and who rested on Wednesday to start the week. He was limited.
But the team still worked without starters like running back Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle), right tackle Taliese Fuaga (ankle), or safety Justin Reid (knee). On top of that, rookie safety Jonas Sanker (head) and nose tackle Davon Godchaux (rest) were not spotted at Thursday’s practice. Godchaux, an established veteran, normally rests these days while the team works on third down situations. Sanker’s absence was new.
What about the lengthy Tampa Bay Buccaneers injury report? They practiced on Thursday after just holding a half-speed walkthrough on Wednesday, meaning that first injury report was estimated. And it turns out they erred on the side of caution. Six players practiced fully while receiving some form of treatment: wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (fibula), running back Bucky Irving (shoulder), quarterback Baker Mayfield (left shoulder), cornerback Benjamin Morrison (hamstring), outside linebacker Haason Reddick (ankle), and safety Rashad Wilson (quad), who is working to return from injured reserve.
Additionally, left tackle Tristan Wirfs (oblique) was a non-participant, as expected, and two wide receivers on injured reserve were limited while working their way back — Mike Evans (collarbone) and Jalen McMillan (neck). We’ll see if they can be cleared in time to play on Sunday.