METAIRIE, La. -- Left tackle Terron Armstead returned to a full practice workload Thursday, which was the most important development on the New Orleans Saints' injury report. However, the Saints could be a little undermanned on defense when they host the New York Giants on Sunday.
Cornerback Keenan Lewis (hip) and linebackers Dannell Ellerbe (hip) and David Hawthorne (hamstring) all missed Thursday’s practice.
Lewis practiced on a limited basis Wednesday but was absent for all of Thursday’s session. He practiced only once last week on a limited basis, too, before being inactive against the Indianapolis Colts.
Lewis has been trying to recover from a nagging hip/sports hernia injury. He had surgery in early September, then returned in a limited role in Weeks 4-6. Both Lewis and coach Sean Payton said last week that he didn’t suffer a setback, but he has at least hit a roadblock in his recovery. It’s unclear when Lewis is expected to return to the field.
Ellerbe walked off the field with trainers during the fourth quarter at Indianapolis. It’s unclear when Hawthorne got hurt. The timing of the injuries is unfortunate since Hawthorne is Ellerbe’s backup. The Saints could turn to experienced veteran Ramon Humber in the starting lineup. For depth, they re-signed rookie Henry Coley to their practice squad this week. They also tried out former Saints and St. Louis Rams starter Jo-Lonn Dunbar on Thursday.
Armstead (knee) was held out of team drills on Wednesday before returning to full practice on Thursday. But he should be OK after playing the entire game after returning from the injury last Sunday.
Backup offensive linemen Andrus Peat (knee) and Mike McGlynn (non-injury related) also missed practice Thursday.
