New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler has a tall task in beating a talented Tampa Bay Buccaneers team in his first NFL start this weekend. He will be playing behind a shorthanded offensive line, but his top targets are leaning towards being available. 

Alvin Kamara practices on Thursday

Kamara is banged up, dealing with multiple ailments. Over the past few weeks, he has played through broken ribs and a hip injury. He added a hand injury to that list after Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Kamara was listed as limited participation on Thursday. That's growth from his DNP on Wednesday. 

Shaheed expects to play vs. Bucs

The diet is dealing with some hip stiffness. According to Nick Underhill, Shaheed said that his injury is minor. He expects to play against Tampa Bay.

He was a limited participant in practice on Thursday.

Rashid Shaheed said his injury is minor and he expects to play this weekend.

— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) October 10, 2024

For Rattler, those are arguably his top two options in the passing game, alongside Chris Olave. If both of them play, that will help Rattler out quite a bit. 

Young running back Kendre Miller continues to ramp up his return to the field as well. He did not play in Week 5 after returning to practice in a limited capacity. This week, a return to action seems more likely. He was a full participant in practice Thursday.

Adding Miller to the mix would be an explosive addition for Rattler's passing game.

New Orleans could use another option in the backfield to manage the workload for Kamara. He's taken a massive carry share so far this season due to the injuries to Taysom Hill, as well as the lack of production from RB Jamaal Williams. 

Full Thursday Saints-Buccaneers injury report

Second Saints injury report pic.twitter.com/uqgYCUdfOP

— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) October 10, 2024

Saints fan favorite compares Spencer Rattler to a former MVP

He has high expectations.