New absence on Saints OL Wednesday

By Ross Jackson

METAIRIE, La. — Just as expected, the New Orleans Saints saw some key returns as Week 14 practices kicked off on Wednesday. 

Here is the attendance from the open portion of Wednesday’s Saints practice:

Not seen:

TE Taysom Hill

RG Cesar Ruiz

OL Nick Saldiveri

Returned to practice:

WR Bub Means

RB Kendre Miller

G Lucas Patrick

C Erik McCoy

While Hill and Saldiveri are not surprises, Ruiz certainly was. Just as the Saints offensive line, which has not taken a single snap with all five starters since Week 3, was looking like it would get back to full strength another piece is missing. It’s unclear until the injury report is released Wednesday afternoon or Rizzi provides an update in his presser if Ruiz’s absence is injury related. But that update will be an important one as the Saints look to get back in the win column this weekend.

The returns of Means, Miller, Patrick and McCoy were all forecasted by Rizzi on Monday. Miller, Patrick and McCoy all seem to have the best chances of returning to action this weekend. Means may take a little longer based on what the Saints’ usual pattern has been once opening the 21-day practice window for a player coming off of an injury list.

Defensive lineman Tanoh Kpassagnon was also on the field again, continuing his journey back from the Physically Unable to Perform list. He could be making his return against the New York Giants as well. However, he won’t be doing so against quarterback Tommy DeVito whom he sacked three times last year. The Giants have announced that Drew Lock will be their starting passer this weekend instead.

The injury report will released later Wednesday afternoon with more information.