Morning practice report - Other signings may expedite Jenkins deal

Written by Les East | Saturday, 01 August 2009 11:25 | Saints News

Houston agreed to terms Saturday with its No. 1 pick, linebacker Brian Cushing, who was drafted one spot behind Jenkins, a cornerback from Ohio State who was drafted 14th. The player selected immediately before Jenkins, defensive end Brian Orakpo, has signed with Washington.

With the contract terms set for the two selections sandwiching Jenkins, the parameters for getting a deal done have narrowed significantly.

Though there was no news on the Jenkins' negotiations, coach Sean Payton said he was encouraged by the Orakpo and Cushing signings.

"When you start seeing the guys in front and behind, then you're hopeful that the process speeds up," Payton said. "What you don't want to see is a couple of days, three days turn into a week, a week and a half - and so now you wait. You hope we can get this thing resolved quicker than later."

Meanwhile, the Saints returned outdoors for a two-hour-plus practice after being chased indoors by rain Friday afternoon. They were scheduled to work outside again at 4:20 p.m. Saturday but have been forced inside by weather concerns for the second straight day. As a result, the practice is now closed to the public. Check back with NewOrleans.Com for an update from the afternoon practice.

OT Jammal Brown fought through an upset stomach, but should be fine for the afternoon workout. WR Lance Moore worked in team drills, but wore a red jersey to remind teammates not to hit him as he works his way back from offseason shoulder surgery. WR Adrian Arrington (hamstring) was limited to drills under the watchful eye of trainer Scottie Patton.

"Adrian needs to get his hamstring right before he gets back out here," Payton said.

• Payton post-practice transcript

Former Higgins and LSU player Skyler Green struggled with punt returns Saturday. He muffed two punts and ran forward trying to catch another, but couldn't and the ball bounced off of him.

Green is involved in a very competitive race at punt returner with Reggie Bush, Moore, and Tracy Porter. Former LSU receiver Devery Henderson also took a couple of reps Saturday.

Green fared better on offense when he badly beat CB Leigh Torrence for a long completion from Joey Harrington.

WR Robert Meachem made a nice over-the-shoulder grab of a Drew Brees pass while being tightly covered by Reggie Jones. WR Courtney Roby also made a nice adjustment to catch a Brees pass.

S Pierson Prioleau had one of the biggest hits of the day when he tackled RB P.J. Hill near the line of scrimmage.

Comments (0)

Name

Comment

smaller | bigger

Add Comment