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Larry Holder ‏@LarryHolder


If there's one thing a coach doesn't want to see, it's player injuries during practice. Unfortunately for New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, the fourth day of team training camp brought with it several injuries to key members of the team.

Saints linebacker Martez Wilson highlights the list of players who returned to the locker room early on Monday after suffering what Payton described as an elbow injury after practice.

Wilson was seen walking off the field with trainers holding his left arm after failing to make a tackle during team drills.

Payton said they're going to evaluate Wilson, but doesn't think it will be anything significant.

If Wilson were to sustain a serious injury, he would be the second outside linebacker hurt this summer after Victor Butler injured his left knee during OTA practices.

Payton didn't say who would fill Wilson's shoes if the worst were to happen, but said some of the younger linebackers are receiving time rotating through the position.

"(Chase Thomas and Eric Martin) are getting their reps," Payton said. "We're going three groups right now, so a lot of these guys are getting plenty of work. At some point -- 2-3 weeks from now -- we'll reduce those reps."

New Orleans also experienced a flurry of heat-related injuries as the heat index reached 106 degrees at the Metairie practice facility.

Saints wide receiver Saalim Hakim was carted of the field after experiencing what Saints wide receivers coach Henry Ellard described as heat cramps.

"When you've got those massive calf muscles like that sometimes you get a hot day and it tends to happen," Ellard said. "He just has to stay hydrated to make sure he's able to finish out practices."

Hakim is expected to be back at practice tomorrow.

Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma and defensive lineman Tom Johnson both left the field during 7-on-7 drills as well, but returned to practice shortly after.

Wide receiver Marques Colston, cornerback Patrick Robinson and linebacker Victor Butler all remained on the physically unable to play list during Monday's practice. Wide receiver Jarred Fayson also spent his fourth consecutive day on the sidelines after experiencing dehydration from Thursday's conditioning test.

New Orleans Saints Martez Wilson one of several players to leave practice early Monday | NOLA.com

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