Drew Brees upgraded, Vonn Bell downgraded on Saints injury report

New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees was upgraded to full participation on the Week 17 injury report, while DB Vonn Bell was downgraded.

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The New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers updated their injury report before Week 17’s regular season finale. The Saints started the week with a low-energy walk-through practice session on Wednesday, meaning all of their reported injury statuses were estimated guesses from the team medical staff. On Thursday, New Orleans returned to work, giving injured starters and players on the mend an opportunity to prove whether they’re making progress.

That includes starting guards Larry Warford and Andrus Peat, each of whom have missed games with injuries. Warford’s return to practice is very encouraging considering how serious his injury looked at the time. While it would be a surprise if either of them take the field in Week 17 for a game with long-shot playoff implications, it’s great to see the Saints getting healthier ahead of the postseason.

Quarterback Drew Brees has been managing some soreness in his knee since last week’s game with the Titans, but he turned in a full practice on Thursday. However, starting strong safety Vonn Bell rested after being listed as a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice.

Here’s everything we learned on Thursday’s Saints injury report. Updates are denoted with bold text:

From the Saints

  • CB Eli Apple (ankle), Did not participate
  • FS Marcus Williams (groin), Did not participate
  • WR Krishawn Hogan (hamstring), Designated to injured reserve
  • QB Drew Brees (knee), Full
  • WR Michael Thomas (hand), Limited
  • LB Kiko Alonso (quad), Limited
  • DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson (hip/forearm), Full
  • OL Andrus Peat (forearm), Limited
  • OL Larry Warford (knee), Limited
  • SS Vonn Bell (knee), Did not participate

From the Panthers

  • DT Gerald McCoy (knee), Full
  • WR D.J. Moore (concussion), Did not participate
  • LB Andre Smith (ankle), Full
  • LB Shaq Thompson (foot), Did not participate
  • LB/DE Marquis Haynes (knee), Did not participate
  • LB/DE Brian Burns (shoulder), Full
  • S Tre Boston (shoulder), Limited
  • TE Ian Thomas (ankle), Full
  • TE Greg Olsen (knee), Limited
  • DT Kyle Love (ankle), Full
  • DT Woodrow Hamilton (illness), Full

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