When the New Orleans Saints locked up the NFC’s number one seed last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, speculation started regarding the Saints potentially resting their starters to keep them as healthy as possible before the playoffs begin. With the official inactive report today, that seems to be precisely the case.

As reported earlier in the week, quarterback Drew Brees is listed as inactive today, giving backup Teddy Bridgewater an opportunity to show off his talents.

Running back Alvin Kamara is also listed on the inactive list as a healthy scratch, allowing Mark Ingram to take over the work on the ground against the Carolina Panthers.

Offensive linemen Terron Armstead, Jermon Bushrod, and Larry Warford are also included on the inactive list. Neither Armstead, Bushrod, nor Warford participated in practice on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. Armstead has been dealing with a pectoral injury which he likely aggravated during the week 16 matchup with the Steelers. Additionally, Bushrod was listed with a hamstring injury and Warford was listed with a knee injury. It is crucial that these guys get healthy before playoffs begin as they were an integral component to the team’s success this season.

Wide receivers Ted Ginn Jr. and Simmie Cobbs are also inactive for today’s game. This is likely just an attempt to give these players extra time to get healthy and prepare to help their team throughout the playoffs.

After being inactive as a healthy scratch since week eight, linebacker Manti Te’o is active for the New Orleans Saints today. This could be a great opportunity for him to showcase his talents before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.

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