Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Carl Nicks has revealed that he would "love" to face his former team the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

Nicks returned to practice today for the first time since suffering an MRSA infection during pre-season, although his participation in the session was described as "very limited".

The two-time Pro Bowler is unsure whether he will be ready to face the Saints on Sunday, but admits that he would relish the chance to go up against his former teammates.

"I don't know [whether I'll be ready]. Personally, in my mind, I think I'm always ready for a game," Nicks told reporters.

"Do I have motivation to come back and play the Saints? [Saints coach] Sean Payton – haven't seen him in a while. No, I've got nothing but respect for those guys.

"I love the way they compete and that's how I got my competitive edge. I'd love to play them but we'll see how it goes."

Nicks joined the Buccaneers in 2012 having spent four seasons with the Saints.