The New Orleans Saints are going into their first preseason game with the Kansas City Chiefs bruised and a little battered, but head coach Dennis Allen says almost everyone who is healthy is expected to play. Some players managing injuries will be sidelined so they can continue healing up while the team kicks off in exhibition on Sunday.
One notable player who will run with the first-team offense is wide receiver Michael Thomas, making his return after injuries slowed him down in recent years.
Here’s who will not be available to play against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs at the Caesars Superdome:
WR Tre'Quan Smith
AP Photo/Morry GashSmith has missed several days of practice with a groin injury.
WR Rashid Shaheed
Shaheed is expected to sit out all three preseason games with a groin injury, but he was spotted on the sidelines in street clothes, so his recovery must be going well.
RB Kirk Merritt
Merritt exited practice earlier this week with a hamstring injury.
LB Demario Davis
Davis has missed the last week with a calf injury but was spotted at the Caesars Superdome in street clothes, so he could return soon.
OL Landon Young
Young went down at the end of Friday’s practice session with what Allen said is a sprained MCL.
OL Andrus Peat
A quadriceps injury sidelined Peat early in training camp, and he’s lost some ground in the competition to continue starting at left guard. James Hurst is making a strong case.
TE Jesse James
James has missed a few days of practice with a groin injury.
TE Lucas Krull
Krull fell awkwardly last week and injured his tailbone, though he’s expected to return soon.
