Will Harris trending toward playing, McCoy returns on Thursday

What a week for the New Orleans Saints. On Thursday the news turns from departures to returns. After getting safety Will Harris Jr. back to practice on Wednesday, the team returned center Erik McCoy to practice on Thursday, signaling that his 21-day practice window has now been opened.

Here is the information from the Saints and Atlanta Falcons’ Thursday injury report:

Did Not Participate:

WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. (Shoulder)

WR Chris Olave (Concussion)

CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (Hamstring)

G Lucas Patrick (Ankle)

Limited Participation:

RB Jamaal Williams (Groin)

CB Rico Payton (Back)

S J.T. Gray (Back)

C Erik McCoy (Groin)

DT John Ridgeway III (Oblique)

Full Participation:

S Will Harris Jr. (Hamstring)

QB Derek Carr (Illness)

RB Alvin Kamara (Hand)

LB Nephi Sewell (Knee)

G Shane Lemeiux (Knee)

Harris being upgraded to full participation and McCoy returning are the only changes from Wednesday’s report, but they are welcome progressions. While McCoy is unlikely to return for this weekend’s matchup with the Falcons, Harris seems like he could be in play. However, with Jordan Howden playing solid football, it will be interesting to see how new defensive play caller Joe Woods handles the personnel assignments if Harris returns.

Atlanta Falcons

Did Not Participate:

ILB JD Bertrand (Concussion)

Limited Participation:

WR Drake London (Hip)

TE Kyle Pitts (Hamstring)

DL James Smith-Williams (Tibia)

G Chris Lindstrom (Knee)

DL Grady Jarrett (Achilles)

Full Participation: 

OLB Matthew Judon (Illness)

ILB Troy Andersen (Knee)

C Drew Dalman (Ankle)

The Falcons went from an estimated report on Wednesday to actual participation on Thursday. The only shift in Atlanta was edge defender Judon moving up to full participation as he deals with an illness. Dalman and Andersen, who have both recently missed time, remain on track to return against New Orleans.