METAIRIE, La. — New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton says starting cornerback Tracy Porter has sprained his left knee and could return this season.

Porter injured his left knee in a collision with Saints safety Usama Young during New Orleans’ victory in St. Louis on Sunday. Payton says tests Monday revealed a medial collateral ligament injury, which will not require reconstructive surgery.
Porter, a second-round draft choice in 2008, won a starting spot as a rookie only to dislocate his right wrist five games into last season.
Through nine games this season, Porter ranks fourth on the team with 44 tackles and second with three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. He also was credited with a pair of forced fumbles and eight passes defended.