METAIRIE, La. -- New Orleans Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis remained absent from practice Thursday, though he said he is hoping to play against the Cincinnati Bengals as he recovers from a knee injury.

Lewis’ status will probably be uncertain right up until kickoff since he has insisted (and showed last week) that, "If I can walk, I’m going."

Linebacker Curtis Lofton (ankle) was also held out of team drills Thursday, but he did participate in some individual work during the portion of practice open to the media -- a sign that he’s heading in the right direction. And punter Thomas Morstead fully participated Thursday after missing Wednesday’s practice because of illness.

However, running backs Pierre Thomas (shoulder/rib), Khiry Robinson (arm) and Edwin Baker (concussion), and receiver Robert Meachem were absent from Saints’ practice Thursday. They are significant long shots to play Sunday. Thomas had done some individual work on Wednesday, but was not present when the media was in attendance Thursday.

Running back Mark Ingram (shoulder) continues to be limited in practice, but his status doesn’t appear to be in any doubt. He has carried the ball 57 times over the past two games while dealing with the shoulder injury. And if anything, Ingram said Thursday that his body is getting more used to the heavier workload.

Linebacker David Hawthorne was also limited for the second straight day Thursday as he tries to return from a hand injury.