Four New Orleans Saints starters did not see the practice field on Thursday, with players having been given the day off Wednesday so they could spend Christmas with their families.
But multiple key starters aren’t trending in the right direction before Week 17’s Las Vegas Raiders game. Quarterback Derek Carr (left hand), running back Alvin Kamara (groin), center Erik McCoy (elbow), and left guard Lucas Patrick (knee) all missed practice.
Another group of four were limited participants, so they have at least a shot at playing this Sunday. That includes tight end Juwan Johnson (foot) and defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd (eye), as well as defensive end Payton Turner (ankle) and wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (chest).
It wasn’t all bad news, though. Wide receiver Chris Olave (head) returned to the practice field after missing multiple weeks with a concussion. That’s a positive development even if it’s unlikely he returns to play this season. Olave has dealt with a series of concussions since arriving in the NFL and it’s good to see him at least running routes and getting his legs back under him late in the season.
Here’s the full Thursday injury report from both teams:
