Olin

Kreutz

Chicago may also have guard Ruben Brown back only nine days after knee surgery. They won’t know until practice this week.

Both are expected to start this week. Good news for Anthony Thomas owners.

This will hurt ticket sales in Hawaii, not to mention TV ratings.

The Bears Pro Bowl center hasn’t missed a start since 2001. His current deal expires after the 2007 campaign.

The Saints will be without both Kreutz, their starting center and Zach Strief (leg), their starting right tackle. Brian De La Puente and Charles Brown will fill in. The good news for the Saints is that the Jags can’t rush the passer. Other Saints inactives: WR Adrian Arrington, TE David Thomas, DE Jeff Charleston, LB Will Herring and LB Martez Wilson.

New Orleans reportedly “liked what it saw of” backup C Brian De la Puente when Kreutz missed time with a sprained knee, and may have been planning to start him going forward regardless of whether or not Kreutz walked away. Kreutz has not officially retired, and has returned to his native Hawaii to “see where he’s at.” He will be placed on the “did not report” list in New Orleans, voiding the remainder of his $2 million salary.

Kreutz will become a free agent if he clears waivers. It’s quite possible Kreutz has played his final NFL down at the age of 34. A 14-year veteran and three time first-team All Pro, Kreutz has started 187 career games since being a third-round pick of the Bears in 1998.

Head coach Lovie Smith expects Kreutz to play against Washington on Oct. 17.

Kreutz has been sidelined since injuring his left knee in Week 3. His status for Week 6 is up in the air, though the Saints are probably better off going with backup Brian de la Puente again. Well under 300 pounds, Kreutz got pushed around the first couple of games.

It’s just as well for the Saints. The 34-year-old appears to be 275 pounds soaking wet this season, and he’s been pushed around in the running game. Coach Sean Payton has shown little confidence in the interior O-line in key situations, and Kreutz has been a primary culprit. Turning to Brian De La Puente should help the ground attack going forward. A six-time Pro Bowler, Kreutz’s 14-year NFL career is likely over.