Hill, Olave among participation upgrades as Saints prep for Chargers

By Ross Jackson

METAIRIE, LOU. – Several Saints increased their participation in Thursday’s practice.

As they prepare for their matchup at the Los Angeles Chargers, the Saints finally look to be on the right side of the health conversation. They did, however, have one downgrade that could thrust one of their rookies into a larger role again on Sunday.

Here is the information from the Saints and Chargers Thursday injury report:

New Orleans Saints

Did Not Participate:

QB Derek Carr (Oblique)

WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Hip)

G Nick Saldiveri (Shoulder)

Limited Participation:

LB Pete Werner (Hamstring)

RB Alvin Kamara (Rib)

DT Khalen Saunders (Back)

C/G Lucas Patrick (Chest)

TE Juwan Johnson (Shoulder)

Full Participation:

TE Taysom Hill (Rib)

WR Chris Olave (Concussion)

QB Spencer Rattler (Hip)

CB Marshon Lattimore (Hamstring)

G Cesar Ruiz (Knee)

C Connor McGovern (Back)

The full participation upgrades for Hill, Olave, Ruiz and McGovern are critical for New Orleans. That is, effectively, a new-look offense, especially if Patrick is also back in action this weekend. The one downgrade to Wilson Jr. could mean that rookie wideouts Bub Means and Mason Tipton could again be in for a larger share of snaps than their usual role entails.

Olave’s elevation to full participation likely means that he has cleared or is close to clearing concussion protocol. Some concern was raised on Monday when head coach Dennis Allen said that the receiver was still in the protocol. But the truth is that a lot of benchmarks needed to progress throughout the process have to take place in practice. Meaning Olave looks to be right on the expected schedule for the long week.

Los Angeles Chargers

Did Not Participate:

WR Derius Davis (Hamstring)

TE Will Dissly (Shoulder)

WR Ladd McConkey (Hip)

LB Denzel Perryman (Toe)

WR Quenton Johnston (Ankle)

Limited Participation:

OLB Joey Bosa (Hip)

WR DJ Chark (Groin)

CB Kristian Fulton (Hamstring)

DB Ja’Sir Taylor (Fibula)

TE Hayden Hurst (Groin)

Full Participation:

OLB Khalil Mack (Rest)

The Chargers saw two upgrades themselves. Tight end Hayden Hurst practiced in a limited capacity after missing Wednesday’s workout. Pass rusher Khalil Mack was limited Wednesday but participated fully Thursday. The latter was expected since his limitations on Wednesday were simply rest-related.

Los Angeles also looks to on track to return two key pieces, wide receiver DJ Chark and edge rusher Joey Bosa. Chark is returning just in time while the wide receiver position is otherwise beat up for Los Angeles. Wideouts Davis, McConkey and Johnston are yet to participate. Chark is working his way back from Injured Reserve and could make his Chargers debut against the Saints. The Saints are familiar with Chark who was with the Carolina Panthers last year.

As for Bosa, he has missed each of the last three contests. Getting Bosa back opposite Mack could revitalize their pass rush attack this week, just as the Saints look to get healthier on the offensive line. Keeping rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler clean will be a key piece in this game, but with Bosa back in the lineup, it will be a tough one as well.