Saints Injury Report: Brandin Cooks held out of practice Wednesday

The New Orleans Saints have released their first injury report for Carolina Panthers week, and some encouraging news has hit the streets, yet there are still a few letdowns, of course.  But it seems both teams are a little banged up, especially the Panthers.

Saints injury report: 

S Jairus Byrd (Knee) – Did not practice
WR Brandin Cooks (Ankle) – Did not practice
G Jahri Evans (Knee) – Did not practice
CB Keenan Lewis (Hip) Did not practice
QB Drew Brees (Throwing shoulder) – Limited
LB Dannell Ellerbe (Toe) – Limited

Panthers injury report: 

WR Jerricho Cotchery (Ankle) – Did not practice
S Roman Harper (Not injury related) – Did not practice
DE Charles Johnson (Hamstring) – Did not practice
LB Luke Kuechly (Concussion) – Did not practice
DT Kyle Love (Knee) – Did not practice
RB Jonathan Stewart ( Knee) – Did not practice
G Trai Turner (Knee) – Did not practice
T Daryl Williams (Knee) – Did not practice
DE Wes Horton (Shoulder) – Limited
RB Fozzy Whitaker (Shoulder) – Limited
TE Richie Brockel (Shoulder) – Full participant
DT Star Letulelei (Ankle)- Full participant

Safety Jairus Byrd made an appearance for the first time since minicamp.  He was held out of actual practice, but did some stretching, which is a very good sign that he could be closing in on a long-awaited return to the starting defense.  Dannell Ellerbe returned for limited action for the first time since Week 1 of the preseason.  Keenan Lewis is also ahead of schedule.  Like Byrd, he was out there stretching.

Some more good news for the Saints — running back C.J. Spiller is no longer listed on the injury report.  However, Drew Brees is after he suffered a shoulder contusion last Sunday. Brees’ status is uncertain at this time, but he is confident he can play Sunday.  He did not throw Wednesday.

Brandin Cooks also appears to have an ankle injury, and unfortunately, Sean Payton will likely say nothing, which means we’ll have to wait until Friday.  It does not appear to be anything serious.  That goes for Jahri Evans as well.

Don’t get your hopes up just yet, Saints fans.  It’s still hard to see Byrd playing Sunday having not practiced.  His status will be watched closely in hopes of making a return sooner rather than later.  That goes for everybody, especially Drew Brees, Brandin Cooks and Jahri Evans, who are all appearing on the injury report for the first time.  Brees has never missed a game due to health as a Saint.

The Saints have a tough divisional matchup with the Panthers on Sunday.  Some key players for Carolina were held out of practice, so it will be important to keep an eye on them as well.  But New Orleans must prepare for the Panthers’ best.

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