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The New Orleans Saints' already hobbled cornerback position took another hit Tuesday as the team practiced against the New England Patriots.


Injured defensive back Jabari Greer (33) yells to wide receiver Derek Moye (84) during practice between the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots on the practice fields of Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts on Tuesday, August 7, 2012.
With starting cornerbacks Jabari Greer (sports hernia) and Patrick Robinson (shoulder) serving as spectators, No. 3 cornerback Johnny Patrick left the practice field with what was believed to be some type of back injury.

The injuries at the top of the team's depth chart leave the Saints' defensive coaching staff - at least in the short term -- in an unenviable situation heading into Thursday's preseason game against the high-octane Patriots.

It remains unclear exactly how much time Patrick will miss. Interim Saints coach Joe Vitt would only say after Tuesday's workout that the team has suffered some "nicks and bruises."

Meanwhile, Greer is expected to miss three more weeks and Robinson is showing signs of returning, as he dressed in shells and participated in individual drills Tuesday.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said he has growing concern about the cornerback situation.

"We are kind of getting dinged up there right now. I went through that last year unfortunately, losing a lot of corners," Spagnuolo said referring to a rash of injuries that hampered his secondary in St. Louis. "So I don't want to go through that again. But I'd rather have it happen now and get the guys to bounce back and have them ready for the regular season."

Without their top three cornerbacks, the Saints lined up rookie Corey White and free agent signee Marquise Johnson with the first unit. Another free agent signee, Elbert Mack, served as the nickel back.

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