Kansas City, Mo. – New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton said the team was a little short-handed at defensive end against Carolina, with Paul Kruger inactive due to a back injury.
That won't be the base Sunday against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, as Kruger was active and added to the rotation of Cam Jordan, Kasim Edebali and Darryl Tapp. Also available at defensive end is Chris McCain, who was signed from the practice squad last week.
Kruger missed the Panthers game with a back injury, but practiced in a limited capacity this week and was deemed ready to play Sunday morning. McCain serves in a two-fold capacity – he could be insurance if Kruger doesn't hold up, and he's a special teams addition in the absence of running back Daniel Lasco and linebacker Stephone Anthony, who each were added to the injury list during the week with hamstring injuries, and were designative inactive on Friday.
McCain, who originally was acquired by the Saints in a trade with the Dolphins in exchange for a conditional seventh-round draft pick Aug. 29, was released Sept. 3 and after a stint with Dallas on the practice squad, was re-signed to the Saints' practice squad Oct. 13.
Anthony was becoming more of a presence on special teams and Lasco (four tackles) already had proven himself a standout.
Cornerback Sterling Moore also was an early inactive with an abdominal injury. He was the Saints' most consistent and experienced cornerback and his injury further depleted an already thin, inexperienced group. Expect B.W. Webb's snaps to increase – Webb was notable for his performance against Carolina, with three pass breakups – and perhaps more of a presence from Brian Dixon and De'Vante Harris in the secondary.
Lastly, left tackle Terron Armstead (knee) returned to practice this week and his return coincided with the absence of Andrus Peat (groin), who admirably had filled in for the injured Armstead. Tony Hills filled in for Peat when he was injured against Carolina, and could play a vital role today if Armstead is limited or forced to leave the game.
