The Saints wrapped up a busy week of practice Sunday morning with a two-hour session outside in front of a large contingent of fans at the Saints Training Facility. The team emphasized some move-the-field drills and finished with short-yardage work. The Saints will lift weights and hold a brief walk-through this afternoon.
NEXT UP:The Saints will conduct two practices on Monday. The first practice will begin at 8:50 a.m. and will be outside and open to the public (weather permitting). The afternoon session starts at 4:20 p.m. in the indoor facility and will be closed to the public.
NEW RB:With the team waiving/injured reserve RB Lynell Hamilton yesterday, Payton said following Sunday's practice the team is looking at possibly adding another running back.
"We're currently looking," said Payton. "It's not something that we've decided that we're going to wait on but the question is can we find the right player and do we have to wait if we can't. We're looking right now so I wouldn't say we're staying pat, we just haven't signed anyone in the last two days. Hopefully we're able to get someone in here that we have a high enough grade on."
RBsP.J. Hilland Chris Ivoryhave made some nice plays during training camp and tied for a team-best 30 rushing yards in New Orleans' preseason opener at New England last Thursday.
Payton said both tailbacks have a lot of work ahead of them but expressed that they have both shown some "real positive signs."
"They're going to have three more games to get a lot of reps and we'll see how they progress," said Payton. "But I do like what I'm seeing from them. That being said, there's still a number of things that they're working on to get fully up to speed. We'll see, but I'd anticipate that we'll be able to get someone in here before the Texans game."
ROOKIE ROBINSON SHINES:The Saints first-round draft pick DB Patrick Robinsonhad a number of highlight plays during Sunday's practice, including two interceptions. The five-foot-11 cornerback said he is getting more comfortable with the defensive scheme and anxious to get back on the field next Saturday against the Texans.
INJURY UPDATE:DBUsama Youngsat out Sunday's practice with what Payton described as a groin injury.
P Thomas Morsteadsat out practice for the second straight day after injuring his left shoulder on the first series of the Saints-Patriots contest last Thursday. K Garrett Hartleycontinued to take reps at punter during Sunday's practice. Morstead practice punting on the outside field after practice.
MEACHEM LOOKS TO RETURN:Payton said Sunday morning that WR Robert Meachemis very close to be being removed from the Physically Unable to Perform List and could come back as early as this week.
"I think Robert is progressing pretty well on schedule," said Payton. "We can have him hopefully here in the next couple of days."
MOORE WANTS MORE:WR Lance Mooresaid he expects the Saints offense to show improvement this Saturday in their home preseason opener against the Houston Texans.
"Obviously, it was the first preseason game and we can better and we will get better," said Moore. "That wasn't us out there (at New England). We have to continue to push forward and improve."
