Graham:
Really no change in the Saints injury report for TE Jimmy Graham Thursday. "Jimmy Graham is about the same as he was yesterday. Our doctors and trainers are evaluating him right now, he's still limited," Coach Joe Vitt said. Graham missed last week's game against Tampa with an ankle sprain. His status remains up in the air for this Sunday night's primetime game against Denver. Wide receiver Joe Morgan (chest) was ruled out for this week's match up against the Broncos. Vitt said Morgan "is just not ready" after suffering a chest injury last week.
Sproles:
Running back Darren Sproles missed practice again Thursday for what is being called an excused absence, dealing with a family matter. I wouldn't get too concerned with this one. Sproles knows the offense cold. I think he plays Sunday vs. Denver.
Ivory "ain't going nowhere":
The NFL trade deadline is at the end of the month, and RB Chris Ivory is a prime candidate to be moved on or before the deadline. Ivory expressed his frustration to me this week about his lack of playing time this season, and he noted the upcoming trade deadline. Coach Joe Vitt says Ivory's very much in the plans for the Saints. "We're excited about Chris Ivory. We got a great stable of backs right here. Chris is going to get his chance. Chris ain't going nowhere." That may or may not be true. None the less, Ivory just has to sit and wait for his chance - here in New Orleans or in another NFL city.
My take:
At 2 and 4 the Saints have little margin for error, and yet it's still hard to pick against them this week. However, I just think a leaky defense is not what you want as Peyton Manning sets his sights on you. New Orleans and Denver each average 29 and 28 points per game respectively. The Saints will score their points, but so will Denver.
Prediction: The Broncos win this win in a shootout 35-31 over New Orleans.
