After missing the first two preseason games because of an oblique injury, Saints quarterback Drew Brees is expected to play in Saturday’s exhibition contest against the Indianapolis Colts. Brees practiced fully yesterday afternoon. Safety Jairus Byrd is expected to have his first full practice today as he continues to recover from offseason back surgery. Also, Saints tight end Jimmy Graham says he will not dunk the football through the goal posts during the regular season, after being flagged twice in Friday’s preseason game.

LSU Freshman defensive tackle Travonte Valentine has reportedly been cleared to participate in practice by the NCAA clearinghouse. Valentine is a four-star prospect out of the state of Florida.

ULM Football Coach Todd Berry has named North Carolina State transfer Pete Thomas as his starting quarterback for the August 28th season opener against Wake Forest. Thomas beat out Brayle Brown and Earnest Carrington.

Big things are expected from the Ragin Cajuns offense as quarterback Terrence Broadway is returning for his senior season. But UL Lafayette Coach Mark Hudspeth says sophomore running back Elijah McGuire has also looked good in preseason camp….
cut 19 (17) “…and explosive”
McGuire rushed for 863 yards and eight touchdowns last season and also caught 22 passes for three more scores.

Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz says wide receiver Sterling Griffin has been granted a sixth year of eligibility. Griffin missed all of 2010 and most of the 2012 season because of injuries. Last year, Griffin started ten games and caught 33 passes for 357 yards and two touchdowns.