Saints coach says nickel back Gay should be well enough to play in Super Bowl

Payton expects CB Gay to be ready

MIAMI — New Orleans cornerback Randall Gay and running back Lynell Hamilton sat out the Saints’ final practice of the season on Saturday.

Coach Sean Payton said he expected Gay to be ready when New Orleans meets the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl on Sunday night.

Gay sat on the sideline during a walk-through under sunny skies in Sun Life Stadium.

Gay usually plays in five-defensive back formations. He is getting over a cold with congestion that caused also caused Gay to miss practice on Friday, Payton said.

Payton was less certain about the status of Hamilton, a reserve running back and special teams regular. Hamilton has sat out practice all week with a sore left ankle.

“We’ll see how he does on Sunday,” the coach said.

The mood at practice was light and Payton sounded confident he’d done all he can to get his team ready.

“I’m excited, just excited,” Payton said. “You get to this point and your concerns are always the scheduling and the logistics and the travel, and all of that was pretty smooth. So it’s good. At this point, everyone’s ready. It’s been two weeks already, so we’re ready to go.”

Payton also invited players’ sons to attend the walk-through. Payton’s 9-year-old son, Connor, attempted several field goals with a black-and-gold football with his father as holder.

He made one from the 9-yard line.

“There’s a lot of challenges with coaching, in regards to family time,” Payton said. “Every once in a while, you get one of these opportunities, and it helps make up for it.”