When their roster was intact early in the season, the New Orleans Saints could do hardly anything right while losing their first four games. But as they have won their last three games, even the loss of starters to injury hasnt stopped their improvement. In last weeks 31-10 rout of San Francisco, Jonathan Goodwin played the whole game at center in place of injured starter Jeff Faine. A sprained ankle suffered by starting left defensive end Charles Grant forced backup Josh Cooper to play twice as many snaps as his previous high this season. A strained hamstring suffered by starting weakside linebacker Scott Shanle contributed to Troy Evans playing a season-high snaps. Cornerback Jason David returned last week after a broken forearm sidelined him for three games and thrust Jason Craft into the starting lineup. The biggest loss to injury came in the third game when running back Deuce McAllister was lost for the season. Even that has been mitigated by Reggie Bushs play and overall offensive improvement. link
