From 'bust' to baller...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Welcome to the Saints Insider newsletter for Nov. 27, aka Turkey Day.

Our Saints Insider team wishes you and your family a delightful day of feasting and football.

Let's dive into our Saints coverage before you dive into your day:

Making progress

Don't look now, but Trevor Penning is doing work at right tackle. The embattled third-year lineman has gradually and quietly improved over the course of the season. There's no longer a question of if he belongs, Luke Johnson reports.

Bob the Builder

Interim head coach Darren Rizzi has found a creative way to communicate and motivate the Saints. He's using props as visual aids. Rizzi's unique teaching style has been a big hit so far with his players, Matthew Paras reports.

Welcome back

Good news: Veteran defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon returned to practice this week. He's been sidelined all season with an Achilles injury. 

M.I.A.

Bad news: Veteran center Erik McCoy missed back-to-back practices this week after the Saints returned from an open date on the schedule.

V.I.P.

Star receiver Chris Olave was a made a notable appearance at practice this week. But he's still in the process of determining his playing future, Rizzi said.

Taking flight

A strange thing has happened to the Saints' passing offense: Without its top two receivers, the attack has taken off. Luke Johnson explains what's behind the recent success.

That's it for today. We'll have more coverage and analysis throughout the week as the Saints ramp up preparations for their game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in the Superdome.

Once again, Happy Turkey Day!

Jeff Duncan