Today, the Saints go through their final practices before Friday’s preseason opener against St. Louis. Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan likes the progress he’s seen from the defense and hopes it continues…
cut 18 (11) “…ever been around”
Coach Sean Payton said today a decision hasn’t been made over whether Quarterback Drew Brees will play on Friday night. He was not in pads again today, because of an oblique injury, but Payton says Brees is feeling better.

Saints spokesman Greg Bensel says Owner Tom Benson will NOT be at Friday’s preseason game in St. Louis. But Bensel says Benson is back in New Orleans and working in the office after having troubles breathing while watching practice yesterday morning.

LSU running back Leonard Fournette worked with the veterans during the morning practice today. Fournette had been practicing with his fellow freshmen in the afternoon. The first full squad practice is tomorrow.

ULM is working out in full pads today as they get ready to conduct scrimmage on Saturday. Warhawks Head Coach Todd Berry says they are still in the evaluation period of fall camp….
cut 28 (07) “…things look like”

In Lafayette, James Willis says he’s seeing a higher comfort level with the players in his second season as the Ragin Cajuns defensive coordinator…
cut 29 (11) “….in the system”
On the other side of the football….sophomore Brooks Haack is taking snaps as the number two quarterback. Coach Mark Hudspeth says he has confidence in Haack, if Terrance Broadway went down with an injury.