Cornerback Brandon Browner remained sidelined during the New Orleans Saints' return to the practice field on Saturday -- as did all of the other players who left Thursday night's preseason opener with injuries.
According to reports from those in attendance, Browner, cornerback Delvin Breaux, linebackers Dannell Ellerbe and Ramon Humber, defensive lineman Lawrence Virgil and guard Cyril Lemon all remained out. Joining them, among others, were running back C.J. Spiller, safety Jairus Byrd, linebacker Anthony Spencer and safety Jamarca Sanford.
Coach Sean Payton declined to speculate on any of the injuries. ESPN reported that Spiller had arthroscopic knee surgery and is aiming to return in time for the start of regular season. Browner, Ellerbe and Breaux's injuries have all been described as relatively minor, according to reports and their own Twitter feeds.
Some good on the injury front: defensive end Akiem Hicks returned to a heavy workload after sitting out Thursday's game. Long snapper Justin Drescher practiced for the first time after starting training camp on the non-football injury list. And cornerback P.J. Williams was back in full pads for the first time in more than a week, though he remained limited.
Tight end Benjamin Watson missed practice for good reason. His wife gave birth to their fifth child.
