In fact, they might have all 25 of their projected starters on offense, defense and special teams active together Jimmy Garoppolo Jersey for the first time Sunday when they play at the Indianapolis Colts – though cornerback Keenan Lewis is still battling a lingering hip/stomach injury.
Lewis was able to practice on a limited basis Thursday as he, left tackle Terron Armstead and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe all returned to full-team drills. The only player absent from Thursday’s practice was backup offensive tackle Andrus Julian Edelman Jersey Peat (knee), who is out with a sprained MCL.
Armstead said he’s “planning on playing” after Danny Amendola Jersey missing the past two games with an unspecified knee injury.
Armstead didn’t want to get into specifics on the injury, but said his knee has been “banged up” and he has been rehabbing three times a day to get back as soon as possible. His return will be huge for the Saints, both because he is one of the best players on the team and because Peat is his backup.
“I’m Brandon Bolden Jersey feeling pretty good,” Armstead said. “It was good to get back out there and get them first-team reps, full speed. So I’m feeling pretty good.”
Lewis didn’t offer many specifics on his injury, either, other than to agree with coach Sean Payton that he hasn’t suffered a setback and, “I think I’m getting better.”
Lewis said he’ll let the coaches decide if he’s ready for more snaps after he has played in a limited role as the Saints’ dime back during the past three weeks. Lewis played only eight snaps against Atlanta last Thursday.
Payton specified for the first time on Thursday morning that Lewis’ September surgery was a sports hernia procedure, and he said the recovery timetables can vary – especially at cornerback, a position in which “sudden movements” are required.
Receiver Marques Colston (shoulder), guard Tim Lelito (shoulder) and Jamie Collins Jersey punter Thomas Morstead (quadricep) also practiced on a limited basis for the second straight day Thursday. Morstead seems certain to return after missing the past two weeks, but it’s still unclear if Colston and Lelito are definites. The Saints will report their official injury statuses on Friday afternoon.