New Orleans Saints Final Injury Report For Cincinnati Bengals

Running back Pierre Thomas has been ruled out of today’s game against the Bengals after practicing with the team on a limited basis throughout the week.

Head coach Sean Payton had said he felt “pretty good” about Thomas’ chances to play and was encouraged by his ability to cut up the field during practice. The team had targeted his return for this week but they will wait one more week to allow the ankle to heal up further.

Thomas inured the ankle in week three against the Falcons, and while it was originally reported he would miss only a few weeks, those few weeks have turned into nine after new information surfaced that he actually tore a tendon.

Also ruled out against Cincinnati is backup running back Ladell Betts who injured his neck a few weeks ago. He has not been practicing with the team since the injury and was not expected to play.

Tight end Jeremy Shockey will make his return to the football field after suffering a bruised rib in the first quarter of the Saints win over the Carolina Panthers in week nine.

Shockey took a shot in the back while catching a short touchdown pass and immediately left the field. He was later taken to a local hospital in Charlotte for X-ray’s that ultimately revealed a severely bruised lower rib.

The NFL active career interception leader will be back in the lineup after suffering a hamstring injury that has kept him out the last two games. Free safety Darren Sharper will replace stellar second year defensive back Malcolm Jenkins at the position, a move that allows Jenkins to move into a corner back role giving the Saints a lethal nickel and dime defensive formation.

Linebacker Anthony Waters is listed as questionable for the contest with an ankle injury and likely will not suit up come game time.

Check out Keith Null’s weekly article about the Saints on NFL.com by clicking here.

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