METAIRIE, La. -- Jimmy Graham might have a chance to play Sunday, after all.

The New Orleans Saints tight end returned to full-team drills on a limited basis during Thursday's practice. And coach Sean Payton said, "We're still optimistic on him."

Graham's status remains highly questionable since this was the first time he was able to participate in team drills since he injured his shoulder 11 days ago against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And even if Graham does play this weekend against the Detroit Lions, his role could still be limited.

Jimmy Graham injured his shoulder against the Buccaneers, but coach Sean Payton said he was "optimistic" the tight end could play Sunday. Chris Graythen/Getty Images

But it's worth noting that Graham played a limited role with 18 snaps under similar circumstances last year when he was rehabbing from a plantar fasciitis injury -- and he wound up catching two touchdown passes. The Saints could potentially have a similar red zone-specific role for him this week.

The best news for the Saints is that Graham's involvement Thursday seems to confirm that his recovery time will be more short-term than long-term.

If Graham is out or limited, his targets likely will be replaced by a committee of tight ends and receivers, including backup tight ends Benjamin Watson and Josh Hill, and receivers Marques Colston, Brandin Cooks and Kenny Stills. No one player will play Graham's specific versatile role in the offense.

Detroit's defensive game plan could change accordingly, as well. Since Graham is so often shadowed by a combination of players, Payton noted that the Saints saw an increase in man-to-man coverage after Graham left the field against Tampa Bay two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Saints running back Mark Ingram practiced fully Thursday for the second straight day, further confirming he's likely to return Sunday from a hand injury.

The Saints' injury report wasn't all good news, though. Top cornerback Keenan Lewis was held out of team drills with a toe injury -- a new addition to the report. The severity of Lewis' injury is unknown, though he was dressed for practice and did some individual work while the media was present.

And running back Pierre Thomas missed all of Thursday's practice with an unspecified illness.