Saints RB Thomas, LB Wilson back at practice
 

Running back Pierre Thomas returned to practice Tuesday morning, his first session with contact since leaving the Aug. 7 practice with an undisclosed injury.

Thomas was limited in which drills he participated in, but did go through some 7-on-7 plays. That’s plenty for now, coach Sean Payton said.

“For a guy like Pierre, it’s not that he needs a lot of reps, but he needs X amount of reps from a running back standpoint to be in football shape,” Payton said. “His weight is down. Mentally he’s very sharp. He knows our system. It’s just a matter of him getting enough work that by the time we open up in September, his body is comfortable and he’s used to the physicality of the game.”

Meanwhile, outside linebacker Martez Wilson was dressed and back for the walk-through portion of practice. He didn't, however, participate in any contact drills.

About Wilson, Payton said, “When the time is right, we’ll have him back and taking reps. In the meantime, these younger guys are developing."
Receiver Courtney Roby left practice after injuring a toe on his left foot during the special teams portion of practice.

As for those who didn’t practice, receiver Marques Colston (foot), guard Andrew Tiller (undisclosed), center Eric Olsen (undisclosed), inside linebacker Chris Chamberlain (undisclosed) and cornerback Chris Carr (undisclosed) sat out.

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Re: Saints RB Thomas, LB Wilson back at practice
 

I'm thinking Payton has also been impressed with what he's seen from some of the younger guys we have.

I can't wait to see if he plays some of them against Oakland's starters.

Re: Saints RB Thomas, LB Wilson back at practice
 

I was too.

Re: Saints RB Thomas, LB Wilson back at practice
 

Glad they are both back

One step closer for Tez getting back to his OLB spot, excited to see him play

Re: Saints RB Thomas, LB Wilson back at practice
 

Depth.... Finally.

Re: Saints RB Thomas, LB Wilson back at practice
 

The young guys are getting the reps...........our players are returning to the field. Improved competition may be the end result.

Re: Saints RB Thomas, LB Wilson back at practice
 

We do have good depth in several areas. I would not be surprised if we win out preseason for that reason.

Re: Saints RB Thomas, LB Wilson back at practice
 

So, Tom Johnson was back practicing?