METAIRIE, La. -- New Orleans Saints running back C.J. Spiller did not practice again on Thursday, further indicating that he is unlikely to play Sunday on the road against the Arizona Cardinals. His official injury status will be announced Friday.

Spiller, who has been out since having arthroscopic knee surgery last month, was one of five players held out of Saints practice for the second straight day. The others were cornerback Keenan Lewis (groin), safety Jairus Byrd (knee), linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (toe) and linebacker Davis Tull (shoulder).

Running back Tim Hightower, meanwhile, returned to practice on Thursday after being held out Wednesday with a knee injury.

Chances are, running back Mark Ingram will get the majority of touches, with backup Khiry Robinson rotating into the mix while Spiller is out. Ingram and Robinson could see a few passes thrown their way, as well, since Spiller is New Orleans’ primary pass-catching back. Ingram is a capable pass-catcher and pass protector who has started to be used in more of that every-down capacity dating back to last season.