Due to a knee injury, New Orleans running back Darren Sproles will be held out of game action until the first regular season game, according to The Times-Picayune. While Sproles said he could play right now for the Saints, there's no point in risking it in either of two remaining preseason games.
"The important thing his for him to get ready for that Week 1 game with him," offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael told the newspaper. "But he's going to get a chance to get back here in practice before that game. So we're good."
Sproles injured the knee in the Saints Week 2 preseason game against the New England Patriots, and hasn't practiced in full capacity since. The 5-foot-6, 190-pound back has been doing individual drills and said he feels almost completely healthy.
Neither the running back nor his coaches think Sproles's lack of practice time will hurt come the Saints' opener against the Washington Redskins on Sept. 9. He told The Times-Picayune that timing could be the only issue when he returns, but that shouldn't take to long to get a handle on. Sproles said he's worked with quarterback Drew Brees extensively through the offseason and into training camp.
The Saints will next be without Sproles Saturday against the Houston Texans.
