The New Orleans Saints will head to Carolina to face the Panthers in a division matchup that will break the first-place tie in the NFC South. However, each team has a number of notable players on the injury report, which could affect the outcome of the game.
The visiting Saints got their groove back on Sunday night with a 44-23 victory over the Green Bay Packers, but they're still dealing with injuries that have slowed many of their contributing players. They'll be without starting inside linebacker David Hawthorne (hand) after he sat out of practice all week. Running back Pierre Thomas (shoulder) will be out for the second straight week after exiting early in Week 7's game against the Lions.
But that's not all. Tight end Jimmy Graham is listed as questionable and is still dealing with a shoulder issue that has contributed to his declining play. He has just seven receptions for 95 yards in the past three games. Running back Khiry Robinson (forearm) and starting center Jonathan Goodwin (knee/ankle) are listed as questionable as well. Robinson and Goodwin were both held out of action on Sunday night. Robinson did not practice this week while Goodwin was limited.
Additionally, backup linebacker Kyle Knox (ankle) is listed as questionable and was limited all week in practice and backup full back Austin Johnson (knee) is ruled out.
Carolina has a number of injury issues as well. Although running back DeAngelo Williams will be returning after his prolonged absence, the team will be missing starting left tackle Byron Bell (knee) and starting guards Amini Silatolu (calf) and Trai Turner (knee). Rookie David Foucault, Mike Remmers (acquired from the Rams' practice squad) and Chris Scott (recalled from the Panthers' practice squad) could be starting in their places tonight. A number of backups will also be out of action: running back Fozzy Whittaker (thigh), cornerback Bene Benwikere (ankle) and wide receiver Philly Brown (concussion).
Starting safety Thomas DeCoud (hamstring) is listed as questionable and did not practice on Monday or Tuesday. and was limited on Wednesday. Backup defensive tackle Kawann Short (ankle) is questionable as well after he was limited in practice all week. Starting right tackle NateChandler (thigh) and backup linebacker Jason Williams (hip) are listed as probable and should be ready to go.
Tune in to CBS or NFL Network tonight at 8:00 p.m. for coverage of Thursday Night Football as these two teams battle for the division lead.
