He declined to name any names, but New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton ended his Thursday press conference with some optimism by confirming what we’ve expected: more players will be coming off of the injured reserve list after Pro Bowl kicker Wil Lutz, linebacker Kwon Alexander, defensive end Marcus Davenport, and wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith were designated to return earlier this week.
Players eligible to return from injured reserve include tight end Nick Vannett, cornerback Ken Crawley, and linebacker Chase Hansen. But they’ve all been eligible to return for some time now; that’s not the same thing as being healthy enough to receive the designation. Don’t forget that starting offensive linemen Terron Armstead and Erik McCoy never went to injured reserve in the first place, so they can practice and play as soon as they’re healthy.
When asked specifically about All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas, who spent the first six weeks on the physically unable to perform list, Payton only offered a quick “We’ll have to see how it goes,” per NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill.
It doesn’t mean all of these players will be able to play on Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks. But they will be cleared to join their teammates in practice and at least try to get the green light to suit up. It’s a big step (really a series of big steps) in the right direction. Stay tuned for official news from the team on Thursday’s update to the daily NFL transactions wire.
