Saints RB Spiller expects to return soon, if not Sunday

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METAIRIE, La. (AP) β€” Saints running back C.J. Spiller says he isn’t being coy when he declines to pinpoint when he’ll play in his first game this season.

Spiller, who missed all four preseason games and last weekend’s regular season opener because of minor knee surgery, has practiced twice this week on a limited basis. If he was certain he’d be ready to play by Sunday against Tampa Bay, he said, he wouldn’t try to hide it simply to preserve an element of surprise.

Spiller, who built a reputation as an explosive play-maker in Buffalo, was one of New Orleans’ more prized acquisitions in free agency this past offseason.

While Spiller is showing signs of returning soon, three defensive players β€” cornerback Keenan Lewis, safety Jairus Byrd and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe β€” have not practiced this week.

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