QBREES9

The New Orleans Saints are now six games into the season and tied for first in the NFC South with a 4-2 record. Both losses could have honestly been avoided, but there is no use dwelling on the past because that can't be changed. What can be changed now is the line-up we see on the field due to the return of two players.

Safety Darren Sharper and linebacker Clint Ingram will begin practicing with the team when they resume activities on Wednesday to prepare for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns. It will be the first time either man has practiced with the squad at all this year.

Sitting on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list; both players could not participate in any team practice or games until after the sixth week of the season. Their returns really could not come at a better time either as the Saints are still suffering from an incredible amount of injuries on the defensive side of the ball.

Both players are returning from microfracture surgery on their knees which kept them from being ready by the beginning of the season. Ingram though will be practicing with the team for the first time ever since he just arrived this offseason. Coach Sean Payton isn't entirely sure on what the playing status is of either player, but he knows they will both be practicing with the team come Wednesday.

“Yes. We can now," said Payton. "We just have to pay attention to what we’re seeing, not only in practice but the following day and the following days.”

When asked if Sharper would play in Sunday's game, Payton wants to give it time.

“We’ll see. We’ll see how he works out and we’ll see how he practices. We’ll see how the knee responds and just play it day-to-day and see the progress.”

If both players can return this week against the Browns or even by next week against the Steelers, then it will be none too soon. The Saints are suffering in positions right now that both Ingram and Sharper could add a lot of depth too. With injuries to Tracy Porter, Roman Harper, and Scott Shanle; both players could help the rotation of defensive players incredibly.

Can Darren Sharper return to the ball hawking excellence he showed last season? Let's certainly hope so because turnovers are one place this year's defense has certainly been lackin

www.sportsshooter.com/johnjcoleman

" Anyone can take a picture Only a Photographer can take a photograph "