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New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton had mixed news Thursday on the flu that sidelined wide receiver Marques Colston and backup tackle Zach Strief for Wednesday’s practice.

The good news was that Colston returned and participated in practice on a limited basis as the Saints continued preparing for Sunday’s game with the St. Louis Rams in the Edward Jones Dome.

The bad news was Strief, who serves as the backup to left tackle Jermon Bushrod and right tackle Jon Stinchcomb and also serves as an extra tight end in certain formations, did not work for the second straight day.

The other good news is that it appears the bug has been isolated to those two players, Payton said.

“Fortunately, it’s just been those two guys,” he said. “We’re trying to take all the necessary precautions in regards to staying on top of it with everybody else. So far it’s just those two guys.”

Injury report

Missing Thursday’s practice were cornerback Jabari Greer (groin), defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis (knee), center Jonathan Goodwin (ankle) and wide receiver Lance Moore (ankle). All were held out Wednesday as well.

Free safety Darren Sharper, who didn’t participate Wednesday because of a sore left knee, worked on a limited basis along with strongside linebacker Scott Fujita, who’s missed the last three games with a strained left calf.

Filling in

Payton said he remains hopeful that Greer, who left Sunday’s game with the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter, will be able to go against the Rams “because of the nature of the injury.

If Greer is unable to play, Randall Gay, who has been playing in the nickel and dime packages, and rookie Malcolm Jenkins would have increased roles. Gay would likely draw the starting assignment opposite Tracy Porter.

Getting on track

After watching the tape of the game with the Panthers, who led the Saints 14-0 just eight minutes into the contest, Payton said he was eager to get back to work to correct the mistakes.

2theadvocate.com | Saints | Colston returns to practice; Strief out — Baton Rouge, LA

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RaginCajun83

If it wasn't the Rams then I say they play Greer, since I doubt the Rams will pose any threat to the Saints, why not sit out Greer and let him heal up so something stupid doesn't happen and the team loosing him for the season

QBREES9

I'd say rest Greer and they will

Rugby Saint II

I think that they most likely will sit Greer. I hadn't really thought about starting Gay across from Porter. I thought Williams would most likely start Jenkins and keep playing Gay in the slot where he's been pretty good.