The Saints held seven players out of practice Thursday -- tailback Pierre Thomas (ribs), receiver Lance Moore (ankle), tight end David Thomas (calf), linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee), safety Darren Sharper (knee), safety Usama Young (sports hernia) and defensive end Bobby McCray (back).
Ten others were limited -- cornerback Jabari Greer (sports hernia), cornerback Randall Gay (concussion), linebacker Scott Shanle (concussion), defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis (knee), tight end Jeremy Shockey (toe), tight end Darnell Dinkins (foot), guard Jahri Evans (toe), offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod (wrist), tailback Lynell Hamilton (shoulder) and long snapper Jason Kyle (back).
Payton did not give any indication of which players will play or how long they'll stay in the game. But he did suggest that he would like to get Greer some live snaps at Carolina. Greer has missed the last seven weeks with a groin/sports hernia injury and said Wednesday that he wants to get back on the field this week rather than have an extra week of rest.
Payton was also asked specifically about Vilma's injury, which he said is just a case of lingering soreness, but not a new injury or setback.
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