METAIRIE, La. -- New Orleans Saints guard Jahri Evans said he will play Thursday night against the Atlanta Falcons after missing the past three games with a knee injury. And left tackle Terron Armstead returned to practice on a limited basis Tuesday with his own knee injury -- though Armstead’s status is less certain after he missed all of last week.
Regardless, both are positive developments for an offensive line that has been getting beaten up this year.
The Saints have allowed 15 sacks, which is tied for fifth most in the NFL and puts them on pace for 48 -- which would be by far the highest total in the Sean Payton-Drew Brees era. They rank 29th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (85.4) and 28th in rushing yards per attempt (3.6).
Plus, fellow guard Tim Lelito missed practice Tuesday with a shoulder injury that he suffered in last Sunday’s 39-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, leaving him in jeopardy of missing Thursday’s game. If Lelito can’t play, backup Senio Kelemete could slide over after starting the past three games at right guard. Or veteran Mike McGlynn could make the start.
Saints receiver Marques Colston was also held out of team drills with his shoulder injury -- though he was in attendance for the early portion of practice that was open to the media.
Colston seems unlikely to play Thursday, especially since the Saints re-signed veteran receiver Joseph Morgan, who has been bouncing on and off the roster this year. The Saints released defensive back Don Jones to make room for Morgan.
Also held out of team drills for the Saints on Tuesday were punter Thomas Morstead (quadriceps), defensive end Bobby Richardson (hip) and cornerback Damian Swann (concussion).
The injured player that will matter most of all in Thursday’s game, however, is in Atlanta – receiver Julio Jones, who is expected to play despite being held out of team drills Tuesday.
