Key Saints need to step up to steal win from Chiefs

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Dec 6, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tackle Terron Armstead (72) blocks Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) during the second half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Panthers defeated the Saints 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Whoever the heck knows at Left Tackle

It’s unclear if star OLB Justin Houston will suit up for the Chiefs this week. If he does, their defense is a whole different animal. Houston is an elite pass rusher, who could return to practice as early as this week. It seems unlikely that he’ll play, but either way, the Saints have to be ready for what is a dangerous Chiefs front.

That means that someone will need to step up at left tackle. Terron Armstead has missed the last few weeks with an injury, but to the surprise of many fans, his spot was filled admirably by Andrus Peat. Now Peat is also down with an injury. If one of the two, or optimally both, can return this week, it’ll be a huge boost to the offense. Peat didn’t practice on Wednesday. Armstead was limited. We’ll see where they’re at on Sunday.

If not them, then it’ll be Tony Hills at LT. Hills had flashed some good moments, and he’s athletic. But he drew the spotlight for the wrong reasons last week when he came in for Peat. If it is Hills, expect the ball to come out of Drew’s hands quickly.