NEW ORLEANS (AP) -Saints cornerback Mike McKenzie, trying to come back from a torn right knee ligament late last season, was scratched from the New Orleans lineup before Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay.
McKenzie appeared close to making a full return in the preseason after seeing playing time in the Saints’ final two exhibition games and nearly intercepting passes in both of them.
McKenzie also practiced this week, but was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report.
Running back Deuce McAllister, attempting to come back from a second knee reconstruction in three seasons, also had been listed as questionable but remained on the active roster. Reserve running back Aaron Stecker (hamstring) was inactive.
Also inactive for the Saints were wide receiver Robert Meachem, cornerback Usama Young, linebacker Mark Simoneau, offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod and defensive tackle Hollis Thomas.
Meachem, a first-round draft choice in 2007, has yet to dress for a regular-season game.
Tampa Bay’s scratches included wide receiver Michael Clayton, guard Devin Joseph, linebacker Geno Hayes, tackle James Lee, defensive end Greg Peterson and quarterback Josh Johnson.
Right guard Jeremy Zuttah replaced Joseph in the starting lineup. Clayton has had a chest injury since late in the preseason.
Meanwhile, the Bucs announced wide receiver Antonio Bryant would start ahead of Ike Hilliard. Luke McCown, who started for then-injured Jeff Garcia in Tampa Bay’s comeback victory in the Louisiana Superdome last December, was listed as the third quarterback.
The Saints also waived backup center Matt Lehr, and linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar was signed from the practice squad.
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