Saints Fantasy News

Friday, January 20, 2012, 1:16pm

Packers GM Ted Thompson has several tough personnel decisions to make. Veteran LT Chad Clifton and WR Donald Driver both have a year left on their contracts, but capable -- and perhaps more effective -- youngsters are already waiting in the wings. FS Nick Collins suffered an early season neck injury, and his loss was a major blow to the defense. He plans to tell the team prior to the draft if he'll be able to continue his career. TE Jermichael Finley and C Scott Wells can both be free agents and would seem like top priorities for retention, though backup QB Matt Flynn is likely headed for a lucrative career as a starter in another city.

The running game ranked 27th (97.4 ypg) and rarely provided explosive plays. RB Ryan Grant is another of the team's free agents, however Alex Green could get a longer look in 2012 after a torn ACL scuttled his rookie year. The free agent market at the position could be bountiful, but Thompson rarely wades into those waters. Still, the record-setting Saints offense provides a prime example of what a more-balanced approach might do for QB Aaron Rodgers and Co.

Friday, January 20, 2012, 12:22pm

The Green Bay Packers are interested in signing Jermichael Finley to a long-term deal and would rather not use the franchise tag on the tight end, Finley’s agent said Thursday.

“We’ve been speaking and they’ve made it clear they would like him to be back there and Jermichael’s made it clear he would like to be back there,” Blake Baratz said. “Now that the season’s over there’s a little more time to time to focus on the particulars.”

The two sides had several discussions throughout the season, though there is no immediate time frame from either side on getting a deal done. The primary issue seems to be finding a number acceptable for a young player (Finley will be 25 on March 26) who has yet to reach his potential and has an impact on the offense that isn’t measurable by stats. Finley (6-5, 247) along with Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski and the Saints’ Jimmy Graham are this new breed of tight end that are nightmare matchups and play more like giant receivers than traditional tight ends.

Finley put up career highs with 55 receptions, 767 yards, 8 touchdowns, 14 catches of 20-plus yards. He also had 11 drops, according to STATS.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 8:39pm

49ers WR Tedd Ginn (knee) and center Jonathan Goodwin (leg) were not practicing. Ginn was injured in the third quarter of last week’s win against the Saints and did not return. Goodwin exited the game briefly in the second quarter before returning.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 4:45am

While Drew Brees could become a free agent this winter and shop around for another team, that scenario strikes New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton as a bit far-fetched.

"I don't even know if stunned would be a strong enough word," Payton said Tuesday after players had been dismissed for the season following their divisional playoff loss at San Francisco. "I don't see that happening."

Monday, January 16, 2012, 7:10pm

Gregg Williams has agreed to join Jeff Fisher's staff, leaving as the Saints defensive coordinator for the Rams.

Monday, January 16, 2012, 1:44pm

Receiver Ted Ginn appears to be the 49ers' biggest injury concern. Ginn is questionable for the NFC title game after sustaining a right knee injury on Saturday. Ginn was injured when New Orleans Saints linebacker Martez Wilson shoved him to the ground within the legal 5-yard contact zone on a crossing route in the second quarter.

Ginn landed hard on his kneecap and got up slowly. He was in on the next play, but was clearly hobbled. Kyle Williams replaced Ginn as the No. 2 receiver and on punt returns. Receiver Brett Swain became the No. 3 receiver.

Saturday, January 14, 2012, 3:30pm

Saints Inactives
Nate Bussey LB
John Gilmore TE
Tory Humphrey TE
Turk McBride DE
Lance Moore WR
Eric Olsen OG
Leigh Torrence DB

Lance Moore ruled OUT vs. 49ers
Friday, January 13, 2012, 5:01pm

WR Lance Moore & TE John Gilmore have been ruled OUT for Saturday.

Friday, January 13, 2012, 12:38pm

It was assumed Sean Payton would resume calling plays for the Saints' high-powered offense when his broken leg mended and he returned to the sideline in mid-November. Payton, after all, is widely regarded as one of the game's foremost offensive wizards, and he had called every play during his first six seasons with the Saints.

But the Saints surged offensively in Payton's absence, and to his credit, he selflessly ceded the duties to OC Pete Carmichael for the good of continuity.

Payton continues to have final say and remains heavily involved during games, offering suggestions on almost every series, as do Kromer and quarterbacks coach Joe Lombardi. But it's Carmichael's voice that's in Drew Brees' ear. And it's Carmichael's mind that is cataloguing and creating the on-field rhythm.

"We're on a roll, and obviously he's doing a great job -- not just a good job, he's doing a great job," Brees said. "I think we all feel comfortable with the way the dynamics have been here the last 10 weeks."

Lance Moore unlikely to face 49ers
Friday, January 13, 2012, 12:25pm

The Saints leave for San Francisco Thursday night, which means Thursday’s practice was really a Friday practice if this was a normal NFL week.

And that means Lance Moore (hamstring) didn’t practice all week long, according to Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Unless Houdini makes him appear, the slot receiver looks unlikely to face the 49ers despite some optimism early in the week.

Saints beat writer Jeff Duncan tweeted: "It'll be a game-time decision but my guess is Moore plays."

Thursday, January 12, 2012, 10:13am

Duncan: "The injury to Roman Harper is a new one and its significant. Don't remember seeing him get injured vs. DET. Harper is key to Saints run D."

Monday, January 9, 2012, 2:01pm

As the 49ers begin on-field preparations Monday to face the Saints, the only player not expected to play Saturday is tight end Delanie Walker. He is out for the game after sustaining a fractured jaw on the left side of his face in two places Dec. 24.

Saturday, January 7, 2012, 6:45pm

Saints Inactives
Jonathan Casillas OLB
John Gilmore TE
Tory Humphrey TE
Turk McBride DE
Lance Moore WR
Eric Olsen OG
Leigh Torrence DB