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Today at Saints camp: Third team quarterback Tyler Palko struggled. He threw four interceptions in this afternoon's practice. Second teamer Mark Brunell has had his moments in Jackson, but he played poorly in Saturday's scrimmage. Brunell was only 11 of 20 for 42 yards, but he was playing with the second team offense against the first unit defense.

Saints not playing against Arizona: Wide receivers Marques Colston and Devery Henderson, running back Deuce McAlllister, tight end Jeremy Shockey, defensive backs Josh Bullocks, Tracy Porter, and Mike McKenzie, linebacker Jonathan Vilma, and defensive tackle Brian Young.

Payton said all nine should be ready to practice Saturday when the Saints return to two a days in Jackson.

Remember this: If Brett Favre is traded to Tampa Bay, his first game as Bucs quarterback is in the Superdome September 7th.

Ed Daniels
8/5/08

Attended LSU football media day this evening. Moment of Les Miles' press conference was this: Miles was asked if he had a starting quarterback picked out in his head , but didn't want to announce it? Miles just nodded his head, drawing a laugh from the media.

Miles was very complimentary of his team after their first day in pads. Miles said his team was healthy. The only injury of any note was what he called " a tweak" from kicker Colt David. He said David should be fine.

Miles was asked about his return game. He mentioned two vying for the punt return job, true freshman cornerback Patrick Peterson , and former St Aug product Chad Jones.

All three coordinators spoke to the media. Co defensive coordinator Bradley Dale Peveto will be on the sidelines, Doug Mallory will be in the press box, and call the defense.

Ed Daniels
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Friday 8 1 08

Country music superstar Kenny Chesney worked out with the Saints this afternoon before the team broke training camp in Jackson. Chesney relayed a funny story. He said one year he was playing a concert in Albany , New York. Several Giants players attended, only one stayed late and missed curfew. That player was Jeremy Shockey. Chesney said Shockey told him, "I can afford the fine."

Interesting nugget came today from Deuce McAllister. The Saints tailback said he's 7 out of a possible 10 in his comeback from a second major knee surgery in three years. Deuce said Sunday's live contact was a big step in his comeback. He said "once I got up after getting tackled, it gave me confidence.."

The Saints will practice twice Wednesday and once Thursday against the Houston Texans at the Saints facility. The two teams meet Saturday in the exhibition opener.

LSU coach Les Miles revealed today that quarterback Jarrett Lee has "a soft tissue" leg injury. Miles said Lee was hurt in practice Saturday. He said the injury is not serious and he hopes to have Lee back in "short order." Freshman Jordan Jefferson of Destrehan split snaps at quarterback with Sophomore Andrew Hatch.

Thursday August 28th, 2008

Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey was a late scratch for the tonight's pre season game against the Miami Dolphins. This is the second straight game that head coach Sean Payton has scratched Shockey just before game time.

Either 1) Shockey is not fully recovered from leg and ankle injuries that ended his season last December or, 2) Payton is trying to keep Shockey's role in the Saints offense under wraps for the season opener against Tampa Bay. Remember this: Shockey has never been seen on tape as to how he might be used in the Saints offense.

I can guarantee you one thing: next week, Shockey will be listed as questionable on the injury report. Shockey is exhibit *A* of how Sean Payton plays games with players who are allegedly injured. That is not a negative or a positive, that is just the way it is.

During our six pm news, Michael Hill asked me if LSU's game against App State would be played Saturday. The answer is , of course. It is a $4 million dollar payday for LSU , on Saturday the storm is still 2 1/2 days from landfall, and it is on national TV. Any questions?

Your thoughts? ed@abc26.com. I am always there.

Thanks,

Ed