The New Orleans Saints ended training camp this morning with a practice that lasted just a little over an hour. The Black & Gold will travel to Oakland tomorrow for Saturday afternoon's game versus the Raiders.
At the end of practice Coach Sean Payton announced he already waived two players…in advance of mandated seventy-five players by September 1st. The Saints cut punter Glen Pakulak and WR Paris Warren. The Saints roster currently stands at 78.
New Orleans has to make three more cuts by the first of September, or they have the option to place some players on "injured reserve." The Saints put the final touches on their game plan for the Raiders.
Both the offense and defensive units worked on formations that anticipate from Oakland this weekend. The Saints also simulated "hurry" special teams work. They would call for the punt team or field goal team to see how quickly they could get on the field. This was also done on some offensive plays.
Rod Harper and Robert Meachem could be the Saints primary kick returners for the Oakland game…both were with the first team kickoff return unit. Coach Payton said that RB Pierre Thomas would not play against the Raiders, and Safety Darren Sharper and RB Reggie Bush would be pre-game time decisions.
TE Billy Miller is going to try and play, and WR Lance Moore will play for the first time in a 2009. Jeremy Parnell, who was once a DE, then moved to TE, has been moved to yet another position.
Parnell is now working with the Saints offensive line as a tackle. Parnell has been seen working with Saints O-Line Coach Aaron Kromer, after the last couple of Saints practices. One thing to look for in the Saints/Raiders match…how the Saints handle the Raiders rushing attack.
Coach Payton said after practice that stopping the Raiders would be a challenge to his defense. Coach Payton went on to say that the battle to make the 53 man roster has intensified as eight to ten players are fighting for the last few roster spots.
Join Bobby Hebert, Deke Bellavia & Hokie Gajan for SportsTalk live from the final day of Training Camo.
Who Dat Nation…Saturday the Saints take on the Raiders in Oakland in their 3rd pre-season game. We'll bring you 9 hours of wall-to-wall coverage, starting at noon and going til the Cajun Cannon can't talk no mo'! First up-"First Take" with Mark Chifici and former Saints offensive lineman, Steve Korte. Then at 1-"Countdown to Kickoff" with the "Cajun Cannon" Bobby Hebert and "Big Chief" Deke Bellavia. Game time is 2 o'clock. After the game-sound off on "The Point After" til 9pm…on SAINTSradio-WWL-AM-FM-and dot com!
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