Carney concerns? Payton's not saying

• By SHELDON MICKLES
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: Nov 6, 2009

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New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton stopped short Thursday of saying he’s concerned with 44-year-old kicker John Carney, who has missed two extra points and three field goals — two between 30 and 39 yards — this season.

Carney, who has had one PAT and a field goal blocked this season, has missed two of his last three field-goal attempts — a 49-yarder on Oct. 25 at Miami and a 37-yarder in a 35-27 win over Atlanta on Monday night.

“I said this at the beginning of the week with our players, there are a number of things we have to improve on,” Payton said. “The snap-hold operation has to be cleaner. We had a protection (problem) earlier in the year. I think it’s the whole operation.”

Carney was signed in August to replace Garrett Hartley, who was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Hartley returned to the roster after the bye week, but has been inactive for the three games since then.

Payton blamed the miss in Miami, but not the one against Atlanta, on the snap-hold. He was noncommittal when asked if having two kickers on the roster might force him to look at it more closely.

“Most teams don’t carry two on the active roster, and we feel like we have a good talent in Garrett and we have a steady veteran with John,” he said.

Injury report

Defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis (knee), strongside linebacker Scott Fujita (calf), wide receiver Lance Moore (ankle) and defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy (knee) did not practice Thursday. Center Jonathan Goodwin, who did not work Wednesday because of a contusion to his right knee, practiced fully.

Also, cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (ankle) and linebacker Marvin Mitchell (foot) were full after being limited on Wednesday.

Payton said an ESPN report that had Ellis out four to six weeks was “inaccurate.”

“I think it’s going to be sooner than that,” he said, “and yes, the key is making sure he’s 100 percent.”

Payton ‘hopeful’

Payton said he remains hopeful that Fujita, who has missed the last two games, could return for Sunday’s game with the Carolina Panthers in the Superdome.