METAIRIE — Carl Nicks is listed in the latest Saints media release as the backup at left and right guard.

Sunday, when New Orleans hosts San Francisco (2-1) at noon in the Superdome, Nicks will all but likely be listed as the starting left guard.

(AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

New Orleans Saints first round draft choice Sedrick Ellis, left, tries to fight off the block of offensive guard Carl Nicks.

For the unheralded fifth round pick out of Nebraska, it’s all coming much quicker than anyone expected.

Nicks is getting an opportunity because regular starting left guard Jamar Nesbit was suspended by the NFL on Tuesday for using a banned substance.

“I’m just excited,” Nicks said. “I’m glad coach had confidence in me to play me. I’ll take advantage of the opportunity.”

It’s certainly not how he’d like to gain the starting spot. It’s also not exactly what the coaching staff is looking for consistency after a 1-2 start to the season.

With left tackle Jammal Brown limited in Wednesday’s practice after injuring his hip in Sunday’s 34-32 loss to Denver, quarterback Drew Brees could be playing behind a remade left side of the line.

“We’ve played together for two straight years,” right tackle Jon Stinchcomb said. “But you just can’t lose a step. This is the type of situations you prepare for. There’s going to be games where somebody goes down and somebody has to step in.

“For the next four weeks, that’s the case.”

And it’s Nicks who is being thrust into the spotlight at left guard.

So far, the reviews are positive for the 6-foot-5, 343-pound monster.

“He has been attentive,” head coach Sean Payton said. “Certainly, in his first year, there’s a lot going on. (With him) you get the size inside. He’s athletic.”

Payton added, “He’s done a great job. This should be a great opportunity for him.”

The Saints also brought in veteran Matt Lehr to beef up the line. There could be scenario where Lehr works at left guard or Lehr takes over at center and Jonathan Goodwin moves over to the guard spot.

But for now, the duty likely falls onto the broad shoulders of Nicks.

Brees isn’t worried. At least not outwardly.

“He’s a giant,” Brees said. “Just for a college guy to come in in this style of offense, with the tempo in which we play at – he’s really been able to pick it up. I’m impressed with him.

“It’s one thing to be big. It’s another to be agile and smart and making good decisions up front when things are happening faster than you’ve ever seen before. He’s coming along.”

Injury report

WR Marques Colston (thumb), CB Aaron Glenn (ankle), CB Randall Gay (hamstring), fullback Mike Karney (ankle), TE Mark Campbell (hamstring), WR David Patten (groin), TE Jeremy Shockey (hernia) and LB Troy Evans (ankle) all missed practice Wednesday.

RB Aaron Stecker (hamstring), OL Jammal Brown (hip), WR Terrance Copper (hamstring), DL Antwan Lake (groin) and LB Scott Fujita (knee) all were limited in practice.

Harrington released

Because of various injuries and needed roster spots, the Saints waived QB Joey Harrington less than a week after signing the former first-round draft pick. 

Harrington likely will stay on the Saints radar for now as the team still doesn’t have a third quarterback behind Brees and Mark Brunell.

Payton said the team likes Harrington and could re-sign him if roster spots open up.

• Bradley Handwerger may be reached at bhandwerger@wwltv.com or 504-529-6439