The Saints came out of last Monday night’s win over Atlanta with a number of nicked up players, and won’t take any chances with them in Sunday’s matchup with the Buccaneers. Despite the importance of the game, New Orleans has deactivated wide receiver Marques Colston (knee), tight end Jeremy Shockey (groin), and running back Pierre Thomas (ankle).
Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson will likely be the starting wideouts, with Lance Moore playing the slot in three-receiver sets. Rookie Jimmy Graham will get even more snaps at tight end. The running backs are Chris Ivory, Reggie Bush, and Julius Jones.
The Saints’ other inactives are tight end David Thomas, safety Usama Young, linebacker Anthony Waters, defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove, and linebacker Kawika Mitchell.
Inactive for the Bucs: Running back Earnest Graham, tackle Will Barker, defensive end George Johnson, defensive tackle Doug Worthington, tight end Nathan Overbay, cornerback Dominique Johnson, and wide receiver Sammie Stroughter.
Rudy Carpenter, as usual, is the Bucs’ third quarterback.
