Drew Brees returns to practice on limited basis, questionable vs. Jags

METAIRIE, La. --Drew Brees is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars after he returned to practice on a limited basis Friday.

The New Orleans Saints quarterback insisted on Thursday that he would play even if he didn't practice all week with a torn plantar fascia in his right heel. The fact that he was able to do something on the practice field Friday is another encouraging sign.

The team initially reported that Brees did not practice but changed his status to limited soon after.The Saints explained that their digital team incorrectly read the practice status from Thursday's injury report and tweeted the incorrect information.

"It hurts to walk. It has its challenges. But we've come up with a good plan for this week, how to support it and how to make it as manageable as possible," said Brees, who said he is not concerned about the risk of further injury.

He also insisted that the game plan won't be limited based on his injury.

"I need to see what it feels like getting out there, just executing plays," Brees said. "I'll just gauge where I'm at as I begin to move."

Veteran backup Matt Flynn and rookie Garrett Grayson split the practice reps in Brees' absence on Thursday. Coach Sean Payton declined to reveal who will start in Brees' place if he can't play. The quarterbacks said they don't even know themselves.

Brees isn't alone on New Orleans' injury report during this short week coming off a Monday night loss to the Detroit Lions.

Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe was ruled out Friday with a hip injury. It's unclear if he suffered a setback or a new injury, but he was sidelined for five games with an unspecified hip injury in November and early December.

Tight end Benjamin Watson (knee), receiver Marques Colston (chest), left tackleTerron Armstead(knee) and right tackle Zach Strief (elbow) are also listed as questionable after not practicing on Friday.

Safety Jairus Byrd is listed as probable with a knee injury.