The Facts: Cooks and cornerback Keenan Lewis were both absent from New Orleans Saints practice on Thursday, but it doesn't sound as if either player is dealing with a significant issue. Coach Sean Payton declined to discuss Cooks' injury, saying he won't discuss daily injuries in training camp. But a league source said Cooks was just sitting out as a precaution.

Diehards Line: The third-year receiver appeared to get dinged late in Wednesday’s practice, but did not leave the field with trainers. Obviously the Saints need a healthy Cooks this season, as the former first-round pick emerged as their top playmaker last year. ... We'll follow up as needed.