Saints Peyton optimistic Pierre Thomas will play

A week after he said he was "guarded" about the return of running back Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton said Monday he is "cautiously optimistic" Thomas will return on Sunday against the St. Louis Rams.

Thomas hasn't played since injuring his left ankle in Week 3 against Atlanta. But after practicing all of last week on a limited basis and then traveling with the team and working out before Sunday's 34-30 win at Cincinnati, it appears Thomas is ready.

"I think he is going to play," Payton said. "I do. What I don't want to do is say he is playing next Sunday and then not be right if it doesn't feel well this week. But I would say based on the way he practiced last week that there is a lot of optimism he will be involved in this plan."

Fantasy Impact: 
Read more
today
Hollywood Brown
Kenneth Walker
Isaac Guerendo

Saints news