A number of big names littered the first injury report ahead of Week 9’s clash between the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. All three of the Saints centerpieces on offense were limited participants during Wednesday’s practice: wide receiver Michael Thomas (ankle/hamstring), running back Alvin Kamara (foot), and quarterback Drew Brees (shoulder).
Brees was spotted wearing athletic tape on his throwing shoulder in last week’s game with the Chicago Bears, so he’s clearly battling through something. While we’re a far cry off from either Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill starting in his place, it’s a situation to monitor closely.
However, there is a silver lining to the first injury report. Thomas was joined in practice by rookie breakout Marquez Callaway (also limited with an ankle injury) and veteran starter Emmanuel Sanders. He wasn’t listed on the injury report, but Sanders returned to practice after 12 days away from the team after testing positive for COVID-19. He’s since recovered and expects to play against Tampa Bay.
Your full Wednesday injury report:
From the Saints
| Player, injury | Wed. | Thurs. | Fri. | Game status |
| QB Drew Brees, shoulder | Limited | |||
| WR Marquez Callaway, ankle | Limited | |||
| C/G Nick Easton, concussion | Full | |||
| DB Justin Hardee, groin | DNP | |||
| RB Alvin Kamara, foot | Limited | |||
| DT Sheldon Rankins, knee | DNP | |||
| WR Michael Thomas, ankle/hamstring | Limited |
From the Buccaneers
| Player, injury | Wed. | Thurs. | Fri. | Game status |
| CB Jamel Dean, illness | DNP | |||
| S Mike Edwards, groin | Limited | |||
| DL William Gholston, COVID-19 reserve | DNP | |||
| WR Chris Godwin, finger | Limited | |||
| G Ali Marpet, concussion | DNP | |||
| WR Scotty Miller, hip/groin | Limited | |||
| OLB Jason Pierre-Paul, knee | Limited | |||
| S Antoine Winfield Jr., shoulder | Full |
