The bye week came at a good time for the New Orleans Saints. As such is the case for many teams across the NFL, the Saints entered the week off with injured players who could benefit from a week of rest.

Anzalone's hand injury kept him out of practice all week, and he received a doubtful designation. Despite the Lions coming off a mini-bye, having last played on Thanksgiving Day, it appears Anzalone will need at least one more week.

The Saints’ sizeable investment in Derek Carr is looking more like a liability lately. New Orleans has struggled to finish promising drives in the end zone — something that likely needs to change if the Saints (5-6) are to keep up with the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions (8-3) in the Superdome on Sunday.

Alex Anzalone did not practice all week, but the Lions have left a sliver of room for him to play anyway in New Orleans.