METAIRIE — It seems like every year, Lance Moore is in a battle for a roster spot in New Orleans, fighting with a new receiver every year to stay with the Saints.

Against the Broncos, Moore more than proved his worth to the franchise, posting career highs in catches (seven) and yards receiving (78).

Rogelio V. Solis / Associated Press

Saints wide receiver Lance Moore sprints recorded a career high in passes and receiving yards in New Orleans' loss to Denver this past Sunday. The team will need him to step up this week with the club missing several offensive weapons because of injury.

What makes the game especially important for not just Moore but also the franchise was that he gave quarterback Drew Brees an option after losing Marques Colston and David Patten to injuries.

Colston is out for four-to-six weeks after having surgery on his thumb while Patten strained a groin in the first half against Denver.

“Lance, for the last few years, I’ve had all the confidence in the world in,” Brees said. “He hasn’t seemed to get some of the opportunities some of the other guys have until no. So, I’m happy for him. He deserves this.”

On Sunday, when the Saints (1-2) host the San Francisco 49ers (2-1) in a noon game at the Superdome, Moore will again be called upon to step up.

Again Colston will be out and Patten didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday. Additionally, tight end Jeremy Shockey, who turned into a go-to guy for Brees against Denver, is out several weeks after having surgery to repair a sports hernia.

“He came up bit for us last week,” head coach Sean Payton said. “He’s consistent. I know the quarterback has a lot of confidence in him, as do we. He has real good hands and he has to factor in.”

The passing game likely will heavily involve running back Reggie Bush, who caught 11 passes against Denver. But Robert Meachem, Devery Henderson and Moore all will have to pull their weight.

Meachem will be suiting up for his third ever NFL game, though, and Henderson hasn’t been a featured receiver in the offense since Payton made his way to New Orleans.

Add to that tight end Billy Miller, who though consistent for the Saints, isn’t known as a pass catcher and the offense could be in a world of hurt.

But in steps Moore, who year after year has had to prove that he belongs.

It’s a chip on his shoulder that helps him go through practice year after year.

“I’ve got to come to work every day,” Moore said. “It’s the NFL and the cameras are always on. You take one day off and that could be your last day. I have to be a professional about it and come out and make plays every day.”

So far this year, that’s exactly what he has done.

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