Ruiz, Olave, Hill among slew of Saints to return to practice

By Ross Jackson

Are you sitting down?

The New Orleans Saints look like they’re finally getting healthier. And they may end up being the healthier team in their upcoming game, as far as the teams’ active rosters go. As they prepare for their matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers, it looks like New Orleans is set to get some pretty important pieces back on the field. 

Here is the information from the first Saints and Chargers injury report of Week 8:

New Orleans Saints

Did Not Participate:

QB Derek Carr (Oblique)

G Nick Saldiveri (Shoulder)

Limited Participation:

TE Taysom Hill (Rib)

WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Hip)

WR Chris Olave (Concussion)

LB Pete Werner (Hamstring)

RB Alvin Kamara (Rib)

DT Khalen Saunders (Back)

G Cesar Ruiz (Knee)

C Connor McGovern (Back)

C/G Lucas Patrick (Chest)

TE Juwan Johnson (Shoulder)

Full Participation:

QB Spencer Rattler (Hip)

CB Marshon Lattimore (Hamstring)

The Saints welcomed back several key players, even if limited, on Wednesday. The offensive line and wide receiver corps are set to get a ton of help back as Ruiz, Patrick and Olave look to be progressing their way to the field on Sunday.

Lattimore and Rattler both dealt with minor injuries against the Denver Broncos last week, and things look to be trending well for them as their next game nears.

Meanwhile the defense is set up to get a good boost as well.  With Werner and Saunders back at practice, the front seven will benefit most. The team’s run defense has struggled in recent games, allowing over 220 rushing yards in each of their two contests. Werner and Saunders could be back in time to keep that streak from extending.

Los Angeles Chargers

Did Not Participate:

WR Derius Davis (Hamstring)

TE Will Dissly (Shoulder)

TE Hayden Hurst (Groin)

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)

OLB Khalil Mack (Rest)

DB Ja’Sir Taylor (Fibula)

While the Saints are getting healthier in key areas, the Chargers aren’t as fortunate. Their wide receiver room in particular has taken quite the hit. Both McConkey and Johnston are dealing with lower-body injuries that kept them out on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Chark is managing a soft tissue injury. This will be an important position to watch throughout the week.