The New Orleans Saints this preseason have taken a bit of precautionary approach through the first two games with their primary starters on the offensive side of the ball.
However, Mike Triplett of ESPN is reporting that the Saints are anticipating playing quarterback Drew Brees and running back Adrian Peterson against the Houston Texans.
Sean Payton said Saints will likely play Drew Brees, Adrian Peterson, Mark Ingram and Cameron Jordan in Saturday's third preseason game after they sat them out of the first two. “I'm sure we're gonna want to see them play some. How much, we'll see,” Payton said. Payton said there is less sense of urgency to play veterans in preseason games since they've increased their joint practices in recent years (at Chargers last week, vs. Texans this week). Payton also said center Max Unger will play in either the third or fourth preseason game – and maybe both – after returning last week from foot surgery.
Both Peterson and Brees have yet to play a single snap this preseason. It would mark Peterson's first in-game action with New Orleans since signing a two-year, $7 million deal. In his absence, Mark Ingram has been getting the snaps with the first team offense in the first two games.
That said, the Saints will likely elect to play both players in limited capacities to get their rust off prior to the start of the season. This could see them foreseeably play in just the first half or a little short of that against the Texans to get a few drives under their belts.
The usage of Peterson should be something to watch as he and Ingram will likely split carries this upcoming season. This would mark the first time that the former league MVP has had to operate in that sort of capacity in his career. Meanwhile, the offense should continue to remain a pass-heavy offense with Brees still under center.
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