The Saints had an indoor practice on Friday, the final prior to Sunday's game vs. Atlanta. The club will participate in a brief walk through and meetings at the practice facility tomorrow.
Saints head coach Sean Payton announced at his media availability the club's final injury report of the week with RB Chris Ivory (Knee) and T Zach Strief (knee) fully participating and listed as probable, S Usama Young (quad) at limited participation and being listed as questionable and RB Reggie Bush (fibula), CB Randall Gay (concussion) and LB Anthony Waters (hamstring) Not participating and being listed as out. TE Jeremy Shockey was added to the report as he did not participate with a quad injury and is listed as probable.
Bright spots at the safety position
With FS Darren Sharper on the PUP list for at least the first six weeks of the season, the Saints have featured a revamped lineup at the safety position with Malcolm Jenkins taking over for him and Roman Harper reprising his role at strong safety.
So far, the position has produced solid results with the pair recording two of the club's five turnovers and playing a key role in a third. Harper has recorded 12 tackles, one interception, two pass defenses and one forced fumble, also being credited with forcing an interception by LB Jonathan Vilma with a pressure in the season opener. Jenkins has recorded 11 tackles, one pass defense and had a key recovery inside the five-yard line on Monday against San Francisco to stop a potential 49ers touchdown in the second quarter.
Payton has been pleased with the results of both Harper and Jenkins
On Harper "He has played well the last few weeks. Last week, he and Malcolm (Jenkins) were two game ball players for our defense. He has versatility in that he can run and certainly plays well down in the box. He's doing well."
On Jenkins and the game ball he received: "He was involved a lot. He had the fumble recovery, he had some hurries and tackles and played a real good game."
Harper was relieved at recording his first interception since the 2007 season on Monday night.
"It was long awaited. It was good to get it early in the year and hopefully we can continue to get this thing going in the right direction."
Book Signing
Saints Owner/Executive Vice President Rita Benson LeBlanc will signed copies of the club's book "World Champs: The Official Behind-The-Scenes Perspective of the Super Bowl XLIV Champions New Orleans Saints on Saturday at the Borders Book Store on 3338 St. Charles Ave. from noon until 2.
The book with photography by team photographer Michael C. Hebert provides behind the scenes photos of the club's run to their first championship running from training camp through the club's championship parade. Many of these shots have never before been seen and include extensive photos of the club's playoff run, including team meetings, individual film sessions. It also includes personal quotes about the season and the biggest game by Payton, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, QB Drew Brees, Vilma and other players.
The book, which is available online at NewOrleansSaints.com as well as the club's team store at the Superdome is available at Borders for the price of $44
