Saints interim coach Joe Vitt updated in a press conference Friday night the status of several injured players.
Vitt said LB David Hawthorne, who sat out against the Patriots with a hip flexor problem, probably would be back “on a limited basis” when the Saints return to practice Monday. He added that TE Jimmy Graham, who was held out Thursday after taking a hard fall on his back during Wednesday’s workout with the Patriots, would be able to practice along with CB Patrick Robinson (shoulder) and RB Mark Ingram.
Robinson hurt his shoulder in practice on July 29. Ingram was held out of the Patriots games for precautionary reasons after having arthroscopic knee surgery in the offseason.
Vitt said Jabari Greer, the Saints’ other starting CB, was ahead of schedule after having sports hernia surgery on Aug. 2. The Saints hope Greer will be ready to return for the season opener against Washington on Sept. 9.
“The surgery was a success, he feels great and he’s moving better every day,” Vitt said. “The rehab is going well.”
Vitt said rookie WR Nick Toon, a fourth-round pick, would miss his third consecutive preseason game with a left foot injury.
“He probably will be [back] sooner than later,” Vitt said. “But he will not play this weekend (against Jacksonville on Aug. 17 at the Superdome).”
Toon injured the same foot more than once in college at Wisconsin, causing him to miss spring practice in 2011, one game during the fall and the Senior Bowl in January.
Follow Saints reporter Guerry Smith on twitter @CBSSportsNFLNO.
