Jimmy Graham Practices On Limited Basis On Thursday

New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham, who left the October 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a shoulder injury, returned to practice on a limited basis on Thursday.

Recent reports speculated that Graham, who missed Wednesday's practice, would miss 2-3 weeks, but the team is now saying they are still optimistic about his availability for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions.

Running back Mark Ingram, who broke a bone in his thumb in Week 2 of the 2014 NFL season, returned to practice on Wednesday, and is expected to play against the Lions.

Running back Pierre Thomas (illness) and cornerback Keenan Lewis (toe) did not participate in Thursday's practice, while linebackers Ronald Powell (illness), Ramon Humber (ankle), and Kyle Knox (ankle), along with cornerback Patrick Robinson (hamstring), were also unavailable.

Below is the Thursday injury report for the Saints and Lions:

Saints:

Did Not Practice

LB—Ramon Humber (Ankle)
LB—Kyle Knox (Ankle)
LB---Ronald Powell (Illness)
CB—Patrick Robinson (Hamstring)
RB---Pierre Thomas (Illness)
CB---Keenan Lewis (Toe)

Limited

TE---Jimmy Graham (Shoulder)

Full

C—Jonathan Goodwin (Knee)
RB—Mark Ingram (Hand)
FB—Erik Lorig (Ankle)

Lions:

Did Not Practice:

RB—Theo Riddick (Hamstring)
WR—Calvin Johnson (Ankle)
TE—Joseph Fauria (Ankle)
WR—Jeremy Ross (Ankle)
TE-Eric Ebron (Hamstring)

Limited:

RB—Reggie Bush (Ankle)
DE-Ziggy Ansah (Toe)