With the exception of wide receiver Marques Colston (thumb), tight end Jeremy Shockey (sports hernia) and cornerback Aaron Glenn (ankle), the Saints seem to be close to returning to full strength after a spate of injuries the last three weeks.
The New Orleans Saints turned in their best defensive performance of the season last weekend, thanks to a particularly effective effort against the run.
The Saints were a team in dire need of a shot of energy after tough back-to-back road losses when they returned home Sunday to face the San Francisco 49ers.
PLAYER NOTES --WR David Patten re-injured his groin against the 49ers and his status for next week's game with the Minnesota Vikings was not known Monday.