Porter Back On The Field
 

The Saints' starting cornerback chased receivers with the first-team defense, fielded punts, and even put in some extra work after Sunday evening's practice making running, over-the-shoulder catches of balls shot high over his head by a machine.

After all that, Porter said he was ahead of schedule on his recovery from offseason microfracture surgery on his left knee.

"I was more than ready," Porter said. "It was more psychological than anything. ... Getting back out there, reacting to the receivers running routes, you're going to have that little doubt in your mind. But I went to the sideline and talked to one of the trainers and he was like, `Man, you look good. Just don't think about the knee. Go out and play.' That's what I did."

Porter's return was one of several encouraging developments for New Orleans on the injury front, at least as far as prominent players are concerned.

Also at practice were receivers Marques Colston and Robert Meachem.

Colston had been sidelined by swelling around his surgically repaired right kneecap for more than a week. Meachem left Friday night's preseason opener against San Francisco with a lower back strain.

Colston said his knee needed rest after some heavy work in the early days of training camp.

"It's just going to be a matter of managing it and getting it football-ready," Colston said. "Going from a lot of straight line running and lifting, it's totally different when you get on the field and start running routes. You get your body in situations you really can't train for. I'm transitioning back into that and it shouldn't be an issue moving forward."

Colston said he expects to play in New Orleans' second preseason game Saturday night in Houston. Porter, however, was not as certain.

Tracy Porter, Marques Colston return to Saints practice - ESPN

Colston too, and info on Patrick and Bell...

Great news all around! I was glad to hear that Patrick & Bell both will not need surgery on the knees.

Great news!

Funny how Robinson doesn't get a pass completed on him, and now Porter's back in camp.

Probably just a mere coincidence.

Really good news. I guess Jeff Duncan has some hats to eat.

Damn, I was counting on Bell taking most of the pounding in the preseason to save our backs. Who's behind him?

Taylor

PT, Ingram, Sproles, Bell, Ivory, Taylor; I believe that's all the backs on the roster...

Yeah I think that's it 'cos the one UDFA RB got cut when he got injured. Hamilton might be available still though..?

It would be a nice change to get a correct diagnosis from the Saints medical personnel.
I can only hope that they mend fast.