METAIRIE, La. – Left tackle Terron Armstead and receiver Willie Snead missed practice again Friday as a total of six New Orleans Saints starters were held out of team drills.

Snead (toe) was at least present for practice on Friday during the early portion open to the media, but Armstead (knee) was absent for the second straight day. Both players are in jeopardy of missing Monday night’s game against the Atlanta Falcons if they aren’t able to participate in Saturday’s practice.

Saints LT Terron Armstead has missed the past two practices with a knee injury. Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire

Safety Kenny Vaccaro (ankle), linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (quad) and defensive tackle Tyeler Davison (shoulder/foot) were also present, but they did not participate in team drills during practice. Cornerback Delvin Breaux (fibula) and tight end Josh Hill (ankle) were absent.

Defensive end Cameron Jordan (knee) participated in practice on a limited basis for the second straight day.

Armstead would be the biggest loss of that bunch if he can’t play Monday. The athletic fourth-year pro is arguably the second or third most valuable player on New Orleans’ roster. If he can’t play, the Saints would either slide second-year pro Andrus Peat from left guard to left tackle, use backup swingman Senio Kelemete or use recently signed veteran Tony Hills.

Peat has struggled at times since being drafted in the first round last year. But left tackle is his most natural position, and he did a decent job as a fill-in replacement for Armstead last year. He has also been off to a decent start at left guard for the first two games this year.

If Snead can’t play, rookie receiver Michael Thomas is the obvious beneficiary. Thomas (6-foot-3, 212 pounds) had a terrific performance in training camp and the preseason and appeared to earn the trust of quarterback Drew Brees and coach Sean Payton. The only thing holding him back from a bigger role so far is the Saints’ depth at receiver. Thomas has 10 catches for 114 yards through two games.

If Snead is ruled out on Saturday, Thomas would be a great fantasy option. If Snead is questionable, it could be a tougher judgment call since the Saints don't play until Monday.