WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. -- A daily review of the hot topics coming out of New Orleans Saints training camp:
The intensity cranked up Thursday as a few fights nearly broke out during practice. The biggest skirmish was between running back Khiry Robinson and linebacker Curtis Lofton that actually had to be broken up by quarterback Drew Brees. The two briefly wrestled and went to the ground, with Lofton getting a hold of Robinson's hair before Brees stepped in. Some offensive and defensive linemen also got into a few shoving matches, including one with defensive end Cameron Jordan and offensive tackle Tavon Rooks. “He was wearing a white jersey … and got in the way,” Jordan deadpanned. “Today we just decided to set that tone early on. Even in walk-through it got a little rowdy with the defensive line going through bags. It was just one of those days that (players) should have their mind right, and if they didn't have their mind right, they got their mind right.”Cornerback Patrick Robinson continued his outstanding performance in camp. He made a diving interception against Brees when he cut in front of intended receiver Andy Tanner -- believed to be Brees' first pick in team drills so far in training camp. Robinson also had an aggressive pass break-up in team drills. My two biggest question marks this year were Robinson's health and his confidence level. Both look great, and his athleticism has never been questioned. So he indeed has a shot to push veteran Champ Bailey for the No. 2 cornerback job.
Stop me if you've heard this before, but receivers Brandin Cooks and Nick Toon also looked great during practice. Both have looked terrific throughout camp. Cooks made a series of nice catches -- including a diving snag of an overthrown ball by quarterback Logan Kilgore at the end of practice. Toon's highlight was a deep catch from Brees behind Bailey and safety Kenny Vaccaro. Although Toon did have one drop Thursday (a rare miscue this camp), coach Sean Payton singled him out after practice unsolicited, saying he's having a “fantastic camp.”
The same three guys remained out with injuries (Ben Grubbs, Kenny Stills and John Jenkins). Payton still declined to get into any specifics on Grubbs' injury but said he should be back within a day or two. “We are just resting him. He's working through a few things.” Bailey was not in attendance during the Saints' afternoon walk-through, but it's unclear if that was injury-related. He didn't appear to get hurt during practice. No update was available since Payton only talks after the morning practice.
The Saints have another normal schedule Friday, with an 8:50 a.m. ET practice followed by a 4:30 p.m. walk-through. They will hold a scrimmage Saturday at 8:50 a.m. before taking a day off on Sunday.