Did Hicks play?

No.

At least I didn't see #76 out there, and I remember reading somewhere that the Saints held him back as a precautionary measure.

Ok. I am still very curious to see what he can do. He IMHO has the potential to be the steal of the draft.

I agree with you 100% - I wanted the Saints to pick him before the draft and I was so pleasantly surprised when they did. He has the ideal frame for the stereotypical D-lineman Spags has has success in the past.