New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals Release Thursday Injury Report

Sep 8, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem against the Atlanta Falcons during a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints (4-5) are set to host the Cincinnati Bengals (5-3-1) Sunday afternoon in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.  For the second-straight week, a physical matchup should be expected in the Big Easy.  With game day just around the corner, both teams have released Thursday’s injury reports.

Saints:

RB Pierre Thomas (Rib/Shoulder) – Did not practice

WR Robert Meachem (Ankle) – Did not practice

RB Khiry Robinson (Arm) – Did not practice

RB Edwin Baker (Concussion) – Did not practice

CB Keenan Lewis (Knee) – Did not practice

LB Curtis Lofton (Ankle) – Did not practice

RB Mark Ingram (Shoulder) – Limited

LB David Hawthorne (Hand) – Limited

OT Zach Strief (Chest) – Full participant

P Thomas Morstead (Illness) – Full participant

Bengals:

RB Giovani Bernard (Hip/Clavicle) – Did not practice

LB Vontaze Burfict (Knee) – Did not practice

CB Terence Newman (Knee) – Did not practice

OT Andre Smith (Ankle) – Did not practice

OT Andrew Whitworth (Not injury related) – Did not practice

LB Rey Maualuga (Hamstring) – Limited

RB Cedric Peerman (Knee) – Limited

CB Leon Hall (Concussion) – Full participant

S Taylor Mays (Foot) – Full participant

TE Jermaine Gresham (Thigh) – Full participant

G/C Mike Pollak (Knee) – Full participant

Nothing has really changed for the Saints since the release of yesterday’s injury report other than Thomas Morstead returning from an illness.  The availability of Keenan Lewis and Curtis Lofton will be something to monitor, as they are probably the two most consistent players this year for the Black and Gold’s defense.

After missing last Sunday’s contest against the San Francisco 49ers, David Hawthorne returned yesterday, but will likely remain a game-time decision unless he is able to get a full session in on the practice field tomorrow.  Don’t worry about Mark Ingram – after practically heading the Saints’ offense for the last three weeks, he is getting a little rest and should be at full force this weekend.

Taylor Mays, Jermaine Gresham and Mike Pollak all returned to the field for the Bengals today.  RB Giovani Bernard will likely miss at least another week of football, so expect a heavy dose of former LSU star Jeremy Hill in Cincinnati’s ground attack.

LB Vontaze Burfict and CB Terence Newman are both important pieces to Cincy’s banged up defense, so we’ll keep an eye on them throughout the remainder of the week, and that goes for both teams.  With Sunday’s matchup just around the corner, we’ll be sure to keep you updated with any changes, Who Dat Nation.