All the talk surrounding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they prepare for their Week 9 matchup against the New Orleans Saints is the status of Josh Freeman's right thumb. The Bucs signal caller injured it during Tampa Bay's Week 7 loss against the Chicago Bears in London. The injury is being dubbed 'Thumb Gate' because of the conflicting reports coming from the media and the Buccaneers' coaching staff.
The Saints meanwhile have seen two key players miss the first two days of practice this week -- RB Mark Ingram (heel) and LB Jonathan Vilma (knee). Ingram has already been ruled out for Week 9. He sat out Week 8 as well. RB Chris Ivory was activated and added to the roster this week though to play in his place. Vilma has been missing practices for several weeks now while dealing with the knee injury. It has not prevented him from suiting up and playing on Sundays however.
Here's the full Thursday injury report for New Orleans:
Did Not Practice (Injury)
- RB Mark Ingram (Heel)
- LB Jonathan Vilma (Knee)
Full Participation (Injury)
- DE Junior Galette (Knee)
- DT Sedrick Ellis (Ankle)
- LB Jonathan Casillas (Knee)
- TE David Thomas (Concussion)
- OT Zach Strief (Knee)
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