Sproles misses practice:
Last week we were all on Jimmy Graham watch, this week it looks like we're on Darren Sproles watch. The speedy scatback missed practice this week (hand). It's unclear the severity of the injury, but we'll know more today. The Saints can ill afford to lose Sproles for Monday night's game against the Eagles at running back and as a receiver. The good news, WR Joe Morgan was back on the practice field taking every repetition, and TE Jimmy Graham was not even listed on the injury report. Linebacker David Hawthorne also practiced fully for the first time in a month (hamstring).
Trade deadline:
Saints running back Chris Ivory has been active for just 2 games this season, and has yet to register a carry on offense. He told me last week he was frustrated with the lack of playing time. The NFL trade deadline came and went Thursday afternoon, and Ivory is still a member of the Saints. "He's prepared to play, he practiced well today, and we'll see where this leads us," said saints coach Joe Vitt. It's extremely puzzling to determine exactly what is keeping Ivory off the field. New Orleans ranks dead last in rushing yards with less than 75 yards per game.
Vick a threat:
If you look at the stats on Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, it's not that impressive. He has 9 TD passes to 8 Interceptions. He's been sacked 20 times and lost 5 fumbles this season. The rumblings in Philly this week were that the Eagles considered making a change at QB. That didn't happen! Saints Coach Joe Vitt says regardless of what the stats say, Vick is extremely dangerous. "I've got great respect for him. You have to defend 12 players when he's on the field." Both teams enter Monday night's prime time game with an extreme sense of urgency. The Saints are trying to right the ship, and the Eagles are playing for jobs at 3 and 4.
