October 29
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
The Saints will bring back undrafted rookie tailback Herb Donaldson to their practice squad today to replace tailback P.J. Hill, who was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles' active roster on Wednesday, General Manager Mickey Loomis said. Both Hill and Donaldson showed impressive potential during the offseason after signing with the Saints as undrafted free agents in April. But they were buried behind a deep backfield that includes Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell and Lynell Hamilton. They chose Hill for their practice squad, but the Eagles plucked him away Wednesday to help fill in while veteran tailback Brian Westbrook is out with a concussion. Donaldson, from Western Illinois, ran ..."
October 25
Miami Herald
columnist Armando Salguero
"
If their carefully crafted game plan had worked in 2006, Tony Sparano and Sean Payton both would be working for the Saints on Sunday instead of against each other on opposing sidelines. Sparano and Payton, in that group of young, hard-driving coaches NFL teams now covet, are friends to this day. But their bond was never closer than three years ago when Payton was hired to coach the Saints and, in turn, wanted to hire Sparano to run the New Orleans offense. Payton left the Cowboys and his assistant head coach job to make the trek to New Orleans and wanted Sparano, the Dallas offensive line coach, to go with him. The two friends knew they were like-minded after spending countless hours ..."
October 16
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
There were no surprises on the Saints' official injury report Friday. Guard Jahri Evans (toe) and tailback Pierre Thomas are listed as probable. They've been limited in practice all week but should be good to go against the Giants. Cornerbacks Malcolm Jenkins (ankle) and Leigh Torrence (hamstring) are the only players listed as questionable on the Saints' report. Five other players are listed as probable after practicing fully Friday - tailback Mike Bell (knee), left tackle Jermon Bushrod (knee, ankle), defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy (knee), tight end Darnell Dinkins (foot) and long snapper Jason Kyle (knee, ankle)."
September 18
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb will officially be listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Saints, according to Coach Andy Reid. That pretty much rules him out, barring a miracle weekend recovery. Teams aren't allowed to be deceptive with their injury reports. If a guy plays when he's listed as doubtful, they need to have a good explanation. ... But then again, McNabb has played on Sundays in the past even when he's missed an entire week of practice, so don't rule out a Willis Reed-type emergence. The Saints, meanwhile, have listed tailback Pierre Thomas as questionable with his sprained right knee after he practiced on a limited basis again Friday. I'd be surprised to see ..."
September 15
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
The NFL has not offered a timetable on when and if it will enforce the four-game suspensions against Saints defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant. But a decision could be made today. Typically the league announces its suspensions by Tuesday, at the latest, so teams can adequately prepare for that week's opponent. The NFL is free to suspend Smith, Grant and former Saints tailback Deuce McAllister after their suspensions were upheld by a federal appeals court in Minnesota on Friday What complicates matters, however, is that two Minnesota Vikings who tested positive for the same banned diuretic, bumetanide, were awarded the right to fight their suspensions in state court in Minnesota, ..."
September 11
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
The Saints will be without left tackle Jammal Brown for at least six more weeks after he undergoes hip surgery today. The two-time Pro Bowl selection has already been out for the past three weeks after having surgery to repair a sports hernia. It is unclear when he injured his hip, or what the nature of the injury is. Coach Sean Payton mentioned Monday that Brown was having his hip looked at, but he didn't offer details, and Payton did not mention the hip surgery Thursday when he met with reporters. The team later confirmed the surgery. Brown also did not mention any hip problems when he last spoke to the media after last Thursday's preseason finale against Miami. "The sports hernia ..."
September 11
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
Saints tailback Pierre Thomas will almost certainly miss Sunday's opener against Detroit after being held out of team drills again Thursday. Thomas, who suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee three weeks ago, dressed for practice and participated in some individual drills, but he wasn't healthy enough to go full speed. "I was hoping we'd get more from him today," said Saints Coach Sean Payton, who said Thomas didn't have to be "100 percent" healed in order to play, but he "has to be better than the other back that's potentially dressing in his place." "The key is getting to where it's comfortable enough to where he's not just practicing and able to plant on it, ..."
August 28
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
Saints Coach Sean Payton said a lingering knee injury could sideline running back Pierre Thomas for the team's final exhibition game against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 3 at the Superdome. Thomas, who suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee against the Houston Texans, has been ruled out of Saturday's exhibition game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Saints open the regular season against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 13 at the Superdome. Payton addressed Thomas' situation after practice Thursday. "I'm not as concerned, other than the snaps he's missing," Payton said. "I think he's going to recover fully. So I don't think it's ..."
August 15
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
The Saints apparently are not the only team interested in veteran free agent linebacker Derrick Brooks, who is trying to get back in the NFL after being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in February. The Oakland Raiders reportedly flew the 11-time Pro Bowl player out for a visit and workout Friday, two days after Brooks left New Orleans without a contract offer from Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis. Loomis and Saints Coach Sean Payton are expected to make a decision this weekend with regard to Brooks and free agent linebacker Derek Smith, both of whom worked out for the team Wednesday morning. Loomis said a decision on either player may or may not be forthcoming, indicating the ..."
August 11
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
Armed with a new, five-year, $19 million contract, Saints rookie cornerback Malcolm Jenkins got down to business Monday after ending his 11-day contract dispute. Jenkins struggled noticeably during the morning workout when the heat index approached 110, admitting afterward that he was not in football shape. But he pronounced himself fit at 204 pounds and vowed to do whatever it takes to crack the starting lineup. "I've been down here and working out over at Tulane in the heat trying to simulate things, but coming out the first day and throwing on the pads and helmet with a visor and everything, that adds another element to it," said Jenkins, the 14th overall draft pick. "It's something ..."
August 3
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
Although Saints fans might be wondering "what's the holdup?" it appears there still are hills to climb and curves to negotiate before General Manager Mickey Loomis strikes a deal with the team's No. 1 draft pick, cornerback Malcolm Jenkins. Both players slotted around Jenkins in the first round are under contract. Washington Redskins linebacker/defensive end Brian Orakpo (No. 13) signed a five-year, $20 million contract with $12.1 million guaranteed, and Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing signed a five-year, $18 million contract (which includes a $4 million escalator clause in his final year) with $10.435 million guaranteed. Asked if anything was imminent Sunday night, a source ..."
May 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey was rushed to a hospital in Las Vegas on Sunday afternoon, team spokesman Greg Bensel confirmed. Bensel said he spoke to Shockey on Sunday evening, and that Shockey was out of the hospital and doing fine. Bensel said Shockey was just dehydrated. According to a report by the entertainment Web site TMZ, Shockey was found unconscious at around 2 p.m. at the Hard Rock Hotel and taken to a nearby hospital. Sources at the hotel told TMZ that Shockey was at Rehab -- the name of the Sunday pool party at the Hard Rock. The call went out to the Las Vegas Fire Department, and he was taken out via stretcher."
May 11
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
The Saints just confirmed that fourth-round draft pick Stanley Arnoux ruptured his left Achilles tendon during the first practice of rookie minicamp Friday morning. He is expected to miss the entire 2009 season, according to a league source, but the Saints said they won't announce a recovery timetable until a later date. Arnoux will have surgery at some point next week. The rookie outside linebacker from Wake Forest apparently suffered the injury while running toward the ball during the practice, which was held outdoors on a natural grass surface. The 6-foot, 232-pounder, was expected to compete for playing time at weakside linebacker and on special teams for the Saints this year. The ..."
May 7
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
Give it up, Miami and Phoenix. Throw in the towel, raise the white flag and cry uncle. Whatever slim chance those rival cities had of landing the 2013 Super Bowl will evaporate the minute NFL owners and executives open the FedEx boxes that land on their desks this week containing New Orleans' bid package. The Crescent City already had public sentiment, a rock-solid financial proposal and Saints owner Tom Benson's considerable influence on its side in the bid to land Super Bowl XLVII. Now it will also have the intoxicating power of the city's creative mojo at work. The bid packages the local organizing committee mailed to NFL owners and executives Wednesday befit New Orleans' rich ..."
May 7
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
Don't look for free agent running back Edgerrin James to be wearing No. 32 for the Saints any time soon, if ever. First off, that number belongs to newly acquired cornerback Jabari Greer. Secondly, team officials aren't convinced that James would be a significant upgrade in the group of running backs on their roster. That group includes Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, first-year player Lynell Hamilton and undrafted rookie free-agent running backs Herb Donaldson and P.J. Hill. Donaldson, Hill and Hamilton will participate in the team's minicamp for rookies, first-year players and tryout players that runs Friday through Sunday. "(James) is someone who we have discussed as an ..."
May 6
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
Although no team selected Western Illinois running back Herb Donaldson during the NFL draft, he apparently was very much in demand afterward. The Saints, who outbid several NFL teams, signed him to a three-year contract, according to his St. Louis-based agent, Jason Fletcher. No other terms were disclosed. Donaldson, 5 feet 11, 220 pounds, finished as the school's leading rusher with 4,746 yards and 50 touchdowns. He will compete for a roster spot as a short-yardage and goal-line running back. He is expected to participate in the Saints' rookie minicamp that runs Friday through Sunday at their practice facility in Metairie. "Oh my God, maybe eight teams were after him," Fletcher said. ..."
April 30
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
The Saints continued to overhaul their defense Wednesday by taking a big chunk out of the defensive line. They released veteran defensive tackle Hollis Thomas, 35, who was scheduled to earn $1.4 million this season. The Saints also released veteran tackle Brian Young this week. They now have parted ways with five former defensive starters and their former defensive coordinator since last season. "Hollis Thomas had a significant presence for us both on the defensive line and in the locker room for a number of years," Saints Coach Sean Payton said in a statement released by the team. "He has been a big part of what we have accomplished here." Thomas, a gregarious media favorite who also ..."
April 29
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
After six surgeries on his left knee in the past two years, defensive tackle Brian Young is now dealing with the most painful part of the process -- accepting the idea that he might never play football again. The Saints released the nine-year veteran this week after it became clear that he will not be back in playing shape any time soon. "It's hard to deal with right now, because I've been playing this game for 20 years and I've loved every minute of it," said Young, 31, who said the Saints went "above and beyond" by giving him time to repair his knee. He said he still wants to play, whether it's this season or next, and he said if he does come back he doesn't want to play for any other ..."
April 28
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
The Saints finally have a choice among some power-running tailbacks. According to published reports, they agreed to deals with undrafted free agents Herb Donaldson from Western Illinois and P.J. Hill from Wisconsin. Although they remain long shots to make the Saints' roster, they fit the profile. Donaldson (5 foot 10, 222 pounds) pounder was described by NFLDraftScout.com as a "bowling ball" of a running back, and he led all Division I-AA runners in both rushing (162.2 yards per game) and scoring (12.0 points per game). Hill, 5-10, 222-pounds, ranked third on the Badgers' career rushing list with 3,802 yards, even though he left school a year early to declare for the draft. Two DUI ..."
April 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
After months of hype, rumors and rampant speculation, the annual rite of passage is at hand for unproven college football players to become instant millionaires and potential franchise saviors before breaking a sweat for their new teams. "I call the NFL draft 'Christmas in the spring,' " said Carl Peterson, the former Chiefs president/CEO/general manager. "It's a time when every single team is able to rejuvenate itself and acquire fresh, young blood and get excited about the potential of the future. "It literally is a very unique aspect of the NFL." Call it what you will, the draft will commence at 3 p.m. today from Radio Music City Hall in downtown New York City. The Saints are picking ..."
April 24
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
Since assuming control of his team's choices in the NFL draft, Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis has not been bashful to make a deal, signing off on 13 trades during the past six years. Don't be surprised if that number increases this weekend when Trader Mick, Saints Coach Sean Payton and their pack of scouts try to turn a four-pack of bottled water into a barrel of fine wine. The Saints have four picks -- one in the first round (14 overall), two in the fourth (116, 118) and one in the seventh (222). It seems unlikely that Loomis will be able to move up in the first round because the team is player rich and draft-pick poor after a busy 2008. During that offseason, he traded for tight ..."
April 22
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey fired longtime agent Drew Rosenhaus earlier this month, but Rosenhaus predicted the decision will be temporary. "Jeremy has recently indicated to us that he will be rehiring us in the immediate future," said Rosenhaus via email. The significance of the move is unclear. Shockey declined to elaborate, calling it a private matter. Technically, Shockey doesn't need an agent any time soon, since he's under contract through 2011. There have been some unconfirmed reports this offseason that Shockey has been angling for a new contract, but indications out of Saints camp and from team sources are that Shockey is content in New Orleans and is motivated to bounce ..."
March 17
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
Unrestricted free agent Darren Sharper plays free safety, but if he signs with the Saints he would become the "quarterback" of the secondary for first-year defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Though no offer was extended to Sharper during his visit to New Orleans two weeks ago, Coach Sean Payton said the 33-year-old player has received a semblance of one since then. Team officials hope to know by the start of offseason workouts March 30 if Sharper plans to sign with them. "We'll know sooner rather than later," Payton said at LSU's "Pro Day" workout Monday for NFL scouts. "I think we'll know something probably in the next two weeks." Payton stressed the importance of trying to find the ..."
March 9
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
If it were up to Saints quarterback Drew Brees, he'd love to be reunited with close friend and former teammate LaDainian Tomlinson if the San Diego Chargers cut the former MVP tailback loose. While discussing Tomlinson's contract standoff on San Diego radio station XX 1090 AM, Brees said the "best case scenario" would be for Tomlinson to stay in San Diego because of what he's meant to the team, the fans and the community. But he also admitted, "I'm just waiting for the opportunity if he is available to come and snatch him away." When asked if he has discussed that possibility with Tomlinson, Brees said, "I think that's pretty obvious, don't you think?" When the radio hosts jokingly brought ..."
March 7
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
The Saints are close to wrapping up the first "phase" of free agency, as Coach Sean Payton described it earlier this week. Before it's over, they likely will add a new free safety, but that might be the final major addition to a team that has become quite well-stocked during the past week. The Saints' frenzied pace finally slowed to a crawl Friday, with no roster moves being announced or new free-agent visits being unearthed. But in the first seven days of the free-agent signing period, the Saints were among the most active teams in the NFL, despite their tight salary-cap constraints. They re-signed their top three unrestricted free agents -- linebacker Jonathan Vilma, offensive tackle ..."
March 5
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
The Saints added cornerback Jabari Greer and fullback Heath Evans to their list of visiting free agents Tuesday, according to league sources. The secondary continues to be the Saints' main area of emphasis in free agency. They lined up a visit with Greer, who was visiting the Browns on Tuesday. They also remained in contact with safety Darren Sharper and safety Gerald Sensabaugh, both of whom visited earlier in the week. Sharper returned home Tuesday after a recruiting trip that included a personal sales pitch from Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, and he reportedly plans to visit Chicago next. But a source indicated that the visit in New Orleans went well, and both sides remain very ..."
March 2
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
The Saints slowed down their pace on the third day of free agency Sunday, not signing any players, new or old. But they're not done shopping. They made a contract offer to free agent cornerback Ron Bartell, according to a league source, and they are evaluating at least two free agent safeties, Gerald Sensabaugh and Darren Sharper. Sensabaugh continued his visit with the Saints on Sunday. There was no word on whether he left with or without an offer. Sharper is scheduled to visit with the Saints today, according to a league source. Bartell, 27, is mulling offers from at least two teams -- the Saints and his former team, the St. Louis Rams. The four-year veteran likely won't come cheap. ..."
January 25
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"
Personal reasons kept the Green Bay Packers from adding another member to their coaching staff. Much like Gregg Williams, who turned down Mike McCarthy's offer to be the Packers' defensive coordinator to take the same job with the New Orleans Saints, veteran defensive line coach Bill Johnson said Wednesday he chose the Saints over the Packers for family reasons. "It was as simple as that, really it was," Johnson said at the Senior Bowl. "I can't tell you how impressed I was with the entire operation they have up there in Green Bay. But in the end, New Orleans was a better fit." Johnson said that both his grown children live in Atlanta. He also is a Louisiana native (Neville) and graduated ..."
January 12
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
The Saints filled one of their coaching vacancies Saturday by hiring Bill Johnson as their defensive line coach, and the team is focused on Gregg Williams as its primary candidate for defensive coordinator, according to a league source. Williams, who was Jacksonville's defensive coordinator in 2008, expressed an "extremely strong interest" in the Saints' vacancy at defensive coordinator through his agent Friday. On Saturday, Saints Coach Sean Payton confirmed a strong mutual interest between Williams and the team, saying that "the process is still moving along." Williams met with the Saints on Thursday and reportedly interviewed in Green Bay on Friday, and the league source said New ..."
January 11
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
The Saints filled one of their coaching vacancies Saturday by hiring Bill Johnson as their defensive line coach, and the team is focused on Gregg Williams as its primary candidate for defensive coordinator, according to a league source. Williams, who was Jacksonville's defensive coordinator in 2008, expressed an "extremely strong interest" in the Saints' vacancy at defensive coordinator through his agent Friday. On Saturday, Saints Coach Sean Payton confirmed a strong mutual interest between Williams and the team, saying that "the process is still moving along." Williams met with the Saints on Thursday and reportedly interviewed in Green Bay on Friday, and the league source said New ..."
January 9
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
Saints tailback Reggie Bush said he was surprised to see how much of a stir was created by the news of his recent knee surgery. Both he and Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis insisted the surgery was less serious than perceived because of the negative connotation associated with the term "microfracture." Bush said he was off crutches less than two weeks after he had the arthroscopic procedure performed in mid-December, and he already is working out. "I feel like I'm right on track," said Bush, who expects to fully participate in the team's offseason training program, beginning in mid-March. Bush said the surgical procedure, performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., was a ..."
January 6
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
The Green Bay Packers became the latest NFL team to overhaul their defensive coaching staff Monday, firing coordinator Bob Sanders and four other defensive assistants. Last week the Houston Texans fired defensive coordinator Richard Smith, and the Denver Broncos made the surprising decision to fire head coach Mike Shanahan, reportedly in part because of his refusal to fire defensive coordinator Bob Slowik. And earlier this season, the struggling San Diego Chargers fired defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell before they turned their fortunes around. What do those teams have in common? They all ranked in the top 11 in the league offensively, and none of them finished above .500 in the ..."
November 24
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
Keep an eye on Deuce McAllister. Saints tailback Reggie Bush is expected to miss his fourth consecutive game tonight while recovering from a left knee injury, so McAllister should see several snaps against Green Bay -- assuming that he isn't slowed too much by his left knee injury. This could turn into a memorable night for one of the greatest and most beloved Saints of all time. For starters, he has a chance to make history in front of the home crowd. With 53 career touchdowns, he needs one more to break a tie with Dalton Hilliard for the franchise record. "That would be great," said McAllister, the Saints' career rushing leader with 5,977 yards. "When you start playing, you look forward ..."
July 29
New Orleans Times-Picayune
"
Rookie defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis' contract holdout officially has crossed the line from routine to frustrating as the Saints head into their seventh day of training camp. Ellis, who was drafted seventh overall out of USC in April, is one of three first-round picks yet to sign a deal. The others are No. 8 pick Derrick Harvey of the Jacksonville Jaguars and No. 9 pick Keith Rivers of the Cincinnati Bengals. The Saints remain optimistic that things could develop today, but there has been little movement in talks between the team and the defensive tackle's representatives. Although Ellis would appear to be next in line after sixth pick Vernon Gholston signed with the New York Jets on ..."