NEW ORLEANS SAINTS FAN ZONE

Saints Football News, Schedule, Pictures and Players

John Russell, The Associated PressPackers quarterback Aaron Rodgers says of sitting behind Brett Favre, 'After three years of waiting, I think it's probably the best thing that could have happened to me.'

No matter what Aaron Rodgers does for the rest of his NFL career, Green Bay Packers enthusiasts -- and perhaps Rodgers himself -- will always have one question about the team's new starting quarterback: What could he have done as a 21-year-old rookie out of California?

AP Photo / IgnelziI said Dwayne Bowe might catch a couple of scores in Week 11, and he did just that!

That's right folks, it's time for the stretch -- that run to the playoffs in Fantasy Football that can make or break your season.

Eleven weeks down and maybe two or three weeks to go in most reputable leagues as teams look to clinch, get in contention or simply close their year out in spoiler style.

The Saints added another player to their injured reserve list Wednesday, ending the season for tight end Mark Campbell after he injured his left knee against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Campbell's roster spot will be filled by running back Mike Bell, who signed with the Saints on Wednesday.

The Saints also signed receiver Chris Francies, a 26-year-old last with the Green Bay Packers, and running back Lavarus Giles, a rookie from Jackson State, to their practice squad Wednesday.

I'd feel a lot sorrier for the New Orleans Saints if it wasn't for New England.

I'd be a lot more inclined to give more credence to New Orleans' injury situation being a reason for its 5-5 record - giving the Saints an out that, to their credit, the players and head coach thus far have refused to take - if not for the Patriots, who arguably are in a worse injury fix and are 6-4.

After a little prodding, Saints fans responded wtih a flurry of excellent questions about their beloved Who Dats.

There were several questions about the Deuce McAllister situation column I wrote for The Times-Picayune on Tuesday. Other items on the docket: the secondary, Jamar Nesbit's status, and, of course, StarCap-gate.

If you don't see your answer in this installment, check back on Friday for the weekend mailbag. There are plenty more where these came from...

Chris Granger, The Times-PicayuneAaron Stecker will miss the rest of this season with a hamstring injury, and will become a free agent at the end of the season.

Tailback Aaron Stecker became the 13th member of the Saints' injured reserve list Tuesday, ending his season with a right hamstring injury. The Saints replaced him on their roster with free-agent fullback Darian Barnes. They also agreed to a deal with free-agent tailback Mike Bell, according to Bell's agent, Steven Feldman. Bell will be signed today.

John Russell, The Times-PicayuneQuarterback Aaron Rodgers received a longterm contract last month, but the Packers are still battling to secure a playoff berth.

With the way the NFC is shaping up, the Packers sense they will have to win their division to make the playoffs. They displayed that win-or-else attitude Sunday at Lambeau Field, whipping Chicago 37-3 to pull into a three-way tie at 5-5 with Minnesota and the Bears for first place in the NFC North. Green Bay returns to practice Thursday in preparation for Monday night's game against the Saints at the Superdome.

Michael DeMocker/The Times-PicayuneAaron Stecker was placed in IR by the Saints, ending his season.

The Saints placed tailback Aaron Stecker on injured reserve Tuesday after he aggravated his lingering hamsting injury in Sunday's 30-20 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. They replaced him with free agent tailback Mike Bell, a 6-foot, 225-pounder who spent the past two seasons with the Denver Broncos.

They also signed free agent fullback Darian Barnes (6-2, 240), a seventh-year veteran who was with Detroit and Buffalo earlier in the year.

This week's NFL power rankings, as we're fresh off last week's games.

With injuries, or other NFL news, our rankings could change for the list we run in Sunday's paper.

Michael DeMocker/The Times-PicayuneCharles Grant is one of the Saints appealing a possible suspension.

Hope for the best today for Deuce McAllister, Will Smith and Charles Grant during their appeals process with the league. But, honestly, expect the worst.

Realistically, it's a lot better to assume those three - and every other NFL player caught up in the Bumetanide net, having knowingly or unknowingly taken the banned diuretic - soon will be suspended four games by the NFL. It's a lot safer to envision the Saints without McAllister and Smith (Grant already is out the rest of the season with a triceps injury) for a month or the rest of the regular season, depending on when the penalty actually is assessed, than it is to envision them on the field once the league hears their appeals.

AP Photo / Chuck BurtonCan anyone tell Jake Delhomme what the top division in football is?

Another week, another shakeup in the NFL division rankings.

These rankings fluctuate more than your average politician's political views.

But in this case, it might be warranted. You see, the supposed depth of the NFC East is beginning to show its true colors, and those colors aren't pretty. Certainly the Giants are as great a team as ever, but it is now pretty apparent that the rest of the division is trailing New York by a substantial margin.

From this week's film study, we'll be talking about a game that didn't register highly in the Nielsen Ratings or on SportsCenter's pecking order, the best thing that can be said is that it's over and the Saints picked up a much-needed victory.

The Kansas City Chiefs have lost 18 of their past 19 games for a reason. They aren't good. In fact, I'd venture to say they are the least talented team in the league, but their coaching staff does a pretty good job of making the most of what they have at their disposal. (Although Chan Gailey's play-calling in goal-line situations left a lot to be desired.)

It's amazing how a win quells the storm of questions about the New Orleans Saints. When the Saints lose the Saints Insider in-box is filled with queries and comments. When they win, it's empty.

What gives?

You know the drill. Send your questions to jduncan@timespicayune.com. Include your name and place of residence. I'll answer the questions on Wednesday and Friday, right here at Nola.com.

Susan Poag / The Times-PicayuneNew Orleans Saints tailback Deuce McAllister, who has been used mostly in a reserve role this season, is scheduled to be paid $7.3 million next year.

There are a lot of reasons to attend the Saints' home game against the Green Bay Packers on Monday night.

It's the first home game in six weeks. It's critical to the Saints' faint playoff hopes. And, of course, it's on a national stage.

But more important than any of those factors is this: It could be Deuce McAllister's final game at the Superdome.

The locker room mood palpably lighter than a week ago in the aftermath of a loss to Atlanta, Saints players seemed a happy, calm bunch Monday after their 30-20 win at Kansas City this past Sunday.

Not too happy and too calm, mind you.

Six weeks, four games and thousands of air miles later, the Saints return home Monday night to play the Green Bay Packers at the Superdome.

Much has happened since the Saints' last home game -- a 34-3 win against the Oakland Raiders on Oct. 12: Barack Obama won a historic presidential election, the stock market plunged to record lows and the Philadelphia Phillies captured the World Series.

Saints defensive end Jeff Charleston, 25, played 13 games with the Colts last season, his first in the NFL.

Jeff Charleston was beginning to think he was done.

Having been released by the Indianapolis Colts on the final cut before the start of this season, he was growing more and more resigned to his fate.

Susan Poag/The Times-PicayuneSaints defensive end Will Smith's future as far as a possible suspsension is a mysery to even his head coach.

New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton on Monday said he is in the same boat with the fans and players about the pending suspensions of running back Deuce McAllister, and defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith.

He doesn't know much.

According to league sources, the NFL is expected to hear appeals Tuesday for running back McAllister, Smith and defensive end Grant, who reportedly tested positive for Bumetanide, a diuretic banned by the NFL.

AP Photo / Reed HoffmannJonathan Vilma and the Saints defense had their moments of greatness against Kansas City.

Sometimes you get the help you need, and sometimes you don't.

The New Orleans Saints did what they needed to do, pulling out a 10-point win in Kansas City, but for a team on the verge of being eliminated from the playoffs a matter of weeks into November, help is always needed.

The Saints got some help in the form of losses by fellow playoff contenders Minnesota, Chicago, Washington and Atlanta (and a tie for Philadelphia). On the negative side, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Dallas, New York, and Green Bay all won.

You can't win them all.

Susan Poag/The Times-PicayuneSaints running back Pierre Thomas dives toward the end zone Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Saints ran the ball a little better, they made some big plays, the got a win.

So, Saints fans, do you feel any better about the team?

Yeah, there were some mistakes, but at least on this day, they made the plays they needed.

With that said, let's chat.

Times-Picayune Saints Insider Jeff Duncan, who is at Arrowhead Stadium covering the game, will be with you to chat around 6 p.m.

The Associated PressDeuce McAllister tied the Saints franchise record with this touchdown.

KANSAS CITY, MO. -- Welcome to the Saints-Chiefs in-game blog, live from Arrowhead Stadium. Just sat down in my seat in the press box. It's a crisp, cool day here, perfect football weather.

I'll be updating this same file throughout the game so keep hitting the refresh button.

KANSAS CITY, MO. -- The Saints placed defensive tackle Brian Young on the injured reserve list Sunday, ending his season after he struggled with problems in his left knee and right foot.

Young played last week against the Atlanta Falcons but missed Friday's practice leading up to today's game at the Kansas City Chiefs. Saints Coach Sean Payton said Friday that Young experienced increased swelling in his left knee, which had been bothering Young for more than a year and had been operated on several times.

Tight end Buck Ortega was moved from the practice squad to the active roster to take Young's roster spot.

Also, the Saints' inactives for today's game: running back Reggie Bush, cornerback Aaron Glenn, cornerback David Pittman, fullback Mike Karney, tackle Jermon Bushrod, center Jonathan Goodwin, receiver David Patten and Joey Harrington (as the third quarterback).

The two listed starting lineup changes for the Saints: Deuce McAllister replacing Bush and Matt Lehr replacing Goodwin.

Chuck Cook / The Times PicayuneSaints receiver Marques Colston says he is finally healthy and ready to contribute for the final eight games of the season.

Saints fans, do you think today is turnaround day?

Kansas City has been struggling this season, and could be the medicine for the Saints.

So as the Saints get ready to put some loses behind them and hope for better days, let's chat.

Times-Picayune beat reporters Mike Triplett and Teddy Kider will be with you at 11 a.m., Dave Gladow nola.com will be with you during the game and Times-Picayune Saints Insider Jeff Duncan will be with you after the game.

David Grunfeld, The Times-PicayuneVeteran Deuce McAllister says Saints players need to realize 'they may not get another play.'

KANSAS CITY, MO. -- The Saints need to go on a spectacular run during the next seven weeks to make the playoffs. Probably nothing less than a 6-1 record will do. But this isn't just a math problem anymore.

Michael DeMocker, The Times-PicayuneWith Charles Grant out for the season, Bobby McCray takes on a more significant role in the Saints' defense.

The Saints are clinging to playoff hopes and desparately need a victory. Kansas City isn't thinking playoffs; the Chiefs just want a win. A closer look at this week's matchup.

Michael DeMocker, The Times-PicayuneJim L. Mora is already in position to become coach of the Seattle Seahawks when Mike Holmgren steps down.

Good morning, and welcome to NFL world. This first item is for Saints fans. How would you feel knowing defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs is waiting in the wings, ready to assume control of the Black & Gold next season as owner Tom Benson's anointed successor to outgoing coach Sean Payton?

Times-Picayune photo archiveSaints defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs, who replaced Barry Switzer as head coach at Oklahoma, has been through the pressure-cooker before.

One of Sean Payton's favorite phrases to the media after a disappointing loss is, "We're not going to hang anyone today." It's his way of warning the angry mob that, although they might be judge and jury, he isn't about to be the executioner of any of his players and coaches.

Michael DeMocker, The Times-PicayuneThe Saints won't rush Reggie Bush back from a knee injury, and he has been ruled out of Sunday's game in Kansas City.

Saints running back Reggie Bush missed Friday's practice and will not play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Saints Coach Sean Payton.

AP Photo / HoffmannIs Tyler Thigpen the QB of the future in Kansas City?

Didn't show and have no idea what I'm talking about? Well, I suggested Dustin Keller as a sleeper tight end this week, and the rookie didn't fail to produce last night in a win against the Patriots as he went for 87 yards on eight catches. Those are solid numbers in all leagues, but in points-per-receptions leagues, they're spectacular.

But now, the pressure is on for me to continue my nice start into the weekend. Let's see what I can produce.

AP Photo / Dave MartinDrew Brees and the Saints are in major need of a win this weekend.

Every Friday at 1 p.m., NOLA.com and David Gladow host a sports chat to preview the upcoming weekend in sports.

Hot topics this week are sure to include the New Orleans Saints, their playoff hopes and the injury status of their players, the New Orleans Hornets and questions about their somewhat shaky start and of course the LSU Tigers, who are looking to improve their bowl positioning (and possibly find a quarterback).

Check with us and 1 and chat about your favorite New Orleans area sports topics.

Chuck Cook/The Times-PicayuneBoth Scott Shanle (58) and Jonathan Vilma (51) have a shot at an interception of a San Diego pass in the fourth quarter. The pass was intended for the Chargers Chris Chambers but was tipped by the Saints Roman Harper. Vilma made the interception.

One thing you can never say about New Orleans Saints fans - as one letter writer has asked about the Saints themselves - is they have a lack of passion.

There is a great deal of angst, as you will see in the Friday edition of the mailbag, with the fans.

We'll hit the subjects that have become standard topics of discussion - defense, play-calling, the running game - with a couple new ones. Like our first one, the salary cap.

Thanks for your overwhelming response, and keep those letters coming.

Saints tailback Reggie Bush did not practice on Thursday, leaving his status for Sunday's game at Kansas City in serious doubt. Both he and Coach Sean Payton, though, said they remain optimistic that he might be able to play if he has a good practice today.

Bush said he didn't feel any ill effects after he practiced on a limited basis Wednesday for the first time since he had surgery to repair torn meniscus in his left knee on Oct. 20, but the team held him back as a precaution.

Chris Granger, The Times-PicayuneInjuries have slowed tight end Jeremy Shockey since the Saints traded for him before training camp.

Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey chuckled Thursday when, on his way to lunch, he was asked to describe what this season has been like for him.

"It's been a quick transition, " Shockey said. "Obviously the trade went down. It was a very fortunate opportunity to come play for this organization. And I got hurt obviously in camp, which you never really want to do, is get hurt out of football season, so it's been kind of a roller coaster. But again, like I said after the game, I'm not going to sit and mope about it. I'm going to get better, do everything I can do to get my foot better and to help this team win."

The Times-Picayune beat writers Mike Triplett and Teddy Kider analyze this Sunday's matchup between the New Orleans Saints and the Kansas City Chiefs in this video.