Saints decide not to play Darren Sharper or David Thomas vs. Panthers

Saints scratch S Sharper and TE Thomas

METAIRIE, La. — The New Orleans Saints have decided not to play safety Darren Sharper and tight end David Thomas in their regular-season finale at Carolina.

Saints spokesman Greg Bensel said on Saturday that neither player traveled with the team to Charlotte for Sunday’s game.

Sharper has a minor soreness in his left knee. He had been listed as questionable for Sunday’s game as of Friday, but was downgraded along with Thomas, who had been listed as doubtful with a calf injury.

Running back Pierre Thomas (bruised ribs), receiver Lance Moore (right ankle) and reserve safety Usama Young (sports hernia) already had been listed as out.

The Saints (13-2) already own the NFC’s top playoff seed.