Let’s start with the good news: the New Orleans Saints cleared Marshon Lattimore to play in Sunday’s game with the New England Patriots after last’s week thumb surgery sidelined him, meaning the Saints will return two of their top defensive backs when he and C.J. Gardner-Johnson take the field. Additionally, rookie standout Payton Turner (elbow) is expected to play despite practicing on a limited basis throughout the week. So is linebacker Pete Werner and guard Calvin Throckmorton.
And the bad news is that starting center Erik McCoy (calf) remains out of action, so protection issues could persist against New England. But with more time and the return of valuable assistant coaches, the Saints should be better prepared up front. Friday’s full injury report:
