It seems as Saints training camp goes on, less news gets out. Though the Saints being inside for practice today may have something to do with it. Let's hope the week they spend in California isn't like today, otherwise there won't be much news to report.
Of the news and links out there today, people are worried about the offensive line, specifically the tackles. Tracy Porter and Joique Bell have been ruled out for this week's game against the Houston Texans. The starters are likely to play 20-25 snaps compared to three drives last week.
However, I'm keeping the players who returned from injury today a secret. You'll have to find that one out for yourself by making the jump! Aren't I clever?
UPDATED [8/18/11 8:30 CDT PM] Added Sean Payton's transcript!
TWEETS:
on Injured Reserve. and still are on the failed physical list. The guys that did not practice today due to an injury, and I will try to give you my thoughts after each one of these players in regards to this upcoming game. This first group did not practice and will not play: , , , , , , and with his hamstring. That group did not practice and will not play. did not practice. We will see where he’s at tomorrow. He will be questionable. was the same way and will be questionable. will play. He was limited today but he is doing better. was limited, but we won’t play him in this game. That has been the plan all along. did not practice but he will play in this game. will not play in this game, he was limited. Two players were excused with their wives having a baby: and . Tomorrow will be just a brief walk-through and then we’ll fly in the afternoon over to Houston.
Have you liked what you have seen from ?
Absolutely. The sum total of what he does in the kicking game will be critical in not only his evaluation, but players like him. He is doing well. He is active and he can run. Each day, he is getting better.
What is the rotation going to be against Houston? How long are the starters going to play?
From a snap count, somewhere between 20 and 25 plays. Hopefully close to 25 plays. That may or may not get us to the half, but somewhere in that range.
How important is to see progress from the offensive starters in this game?You want to see progress week-to-week. I think it is always important. You want to play well. You want to improve from the things you didn’t do well the week before. It will be nothing different than the second week the last four or five years in preseason. I think they are going to have more playing time, number one, and get close to a half of football. Maybe just under that depending on the snaps.
Did you have a conversation with Monty Williams at practice today?
A couple times, it was pretty easy to see that there were four or five people over there at 6’7” or above. It’s good to have them out, and it’s good to see him. They are going through a similar situation to what we just went through which is ironic. They had a great year. I just worried that the hat (the Hornets gave him) didn’t fit.
What are your thoughts on the supplemental draft?You pay close attention to it. I know, this will be the sixth year, we have always kind of looked at it, evaluated the players, and then potentially had interest. I think you have to pay attention to it. I think each club will have a feeling as to their interest. I know it was pushed back, but we will do the same thing in regards to the draft-eligible guys that are available in that draft.
LINKS:
New Orleans Saints shuffling the deck, with new starters set to step forward | NOLA.com
Officials have pruned roster with eye toward youth, athleticism
New Orleans Saints' extensive injury list perplexes Sean Payton | NOLA.com
Offensive line continuing to mesh
New Orleans Saints sign cornerback Quincy Butler | NOLA.com
Saints placed offensive tackle Alex Barron on injured reserve to make room
Saints Linkage: Saints running game needs to improve | wwltv.com New Orleans
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