The New Orleans Saints took the practice field on Friday for another round of work with the Los Angeles Chargers, but they were missing a few players. Teams are not required to publish official injury reports until the regular season begins, so we shouldn’t expect any concrete updates from the Saints. It’s possible that some of these players are being held out as a precautionary measure, and may not be dealing with any ailments at all. Whatever the case, they weren’t at practice:
- LB Alex Anzalone
- TE Alizé Mack
- G/T Ethan Greenidge
- FS Saquan Hampton
- PR/CB Marcus Sherels
- TE Josh Hill
- DE Geneo Grissom
Additionally, fullback Michael Burton was spotted observing the joint practice session with the Chargers, though he didn’t participate. Wide receiver Michael Thomas and running back Alvin Kamara entered team drills with the first-team offense after working together individually on Thursday, separate from the rest of the team.
The extended absence for Sherels is concerning. He entered training camp as the favorite to win a job as the primary kickoff and punt returner for the Saints, but he hasn’t been seen at practice since shortly before the first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings. Undrafted rookie Deonte Harris showed out well in that game and has maintained his momentum in practice. If Sherels is unable to return to work soon, Harris could very well surpass him.
