NFL teams
Mike Triplett, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Saints without Thomas, Robinson

NFL, New Orleans Saints

METAIRIE, La. -- New Orleans Saints running backs Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson have both been ruled out for Sunday night's game against the Green Bay Packers with injuries.

Fortunately for the Saints, Mark Ingram returned from his hand injury last week. They'll lean heavily on Ingram and third-year back Travaris Cadet, who is more of a pass-catching specialist.

Tight end Jimmy Graham, meanwhile, is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game as he continues to heal from a shoulder injury.

Graham, who was unavailable for comment this week, seems likely to play after practicing on a limited basis. But the Saints have not offered any details on whether Graham's role will be limited like it was last weekend when he had zero catches while playing 30 snaps against the Detroit Lions.

It stands to reason that Graham's role will increase since his shoulder has had an extra week to heal and the team has had a better feel for what it can expect from him as it puts together its game plan. However, Graham's limited practice reps suggest he's not fully back to 100 percent.

The Saints also will be without starting center Jonathan Goodwin, who was officially ruled out with a knee injury suffered last Sunday at Detroit. The Saints should be able to make a pretty smooth transition, though, to backup Tim Lelito, who competed for the starting job in camp and has played well in three appearances this season while Goodwin has battled injuries.

Thomas (shoulder) and Robinson (forearm) also suffered their injuries against Detroit. With Thomas out of the lineup, the Saints will count on both Ingram and Cadet more as both receivers and pass protectors.

Cadet hasn't been used much as a pass protector in his three-year career, but it's something he said he has worked on diligently through film study. And it paid off with Cadet's outstanding blitz pickup last week on a 46-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees to Kenny Stills.

Also on the Saints' injury report: cornerback Keenan Lewis (knee/shoulder), nose tackle Brodrick Bunkley (concussion) and linebacker Ramon Humber (ankle) are listed as questionable after practicing on a limited basis all week; cornerback Patrick Robinson (hamstring) is probable; and linebacker Kyle Knox (ankle) has been ruled out.

Lewis is arguably even more vital to the Saints than any of their offensive weapons since he's by far their most reliable corner. He appears likely to play, though, based on his practice participation.

On Saturday the Saints cut tight end Tom Crabtree and brought up running back Edwin Baker from practice squad to their active roster.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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