Believe it or not, this is a big improvement. The New Orleans Saints ruled out just two players against the Cleveland Browns, with six more questionable on the final Week 11 injury report. Just one starter is out for sure — left guard Lucas Patrick (ankle) — and three others are in the questionable group between center Erik McCoy (groin), linebacker Pete Werner (hand), and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry (hamstring). Werner at least will be a game-time decision.
That’s a far cry from where the Saints had been in regards to injuries for much of this season (and last year, and the year before that). Interim head coach Darren Rizzi made it a point to revise the daily practice schedule, but whatever the training staff is doing differently is working, too.
But that’s not to say the Saints have an advantage in health this week. The Browns ruled out just one player, defensive tackle Mike Hall (knee), and the other five players listed on their injury report this week all practiced fully on Friday and will be available for Sunday’s game. That includes backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (right finger) and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (knee). Check the final Week 11 injury report for yourself:
