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One of the most-asked questions of the New Orleans Saints’ offseason was finally answered Friday when four-year veteran Charles Brown lined up at left tackle for the first play of team drills of training camp.

The Saints need someone to replace two-time Pro Bowler Jermon Bushrod after he left in free agency and speculation about who it would be — Brown, Jason Smith or rookie Terron Armstead — was a hot topic for more than four months.

Smith worked with the second team and Armstead with the third unit.

While it might not mean much after just one practice, Brown, who’s finished the past two seasons on injured reserve, said it was important for him to be with the first unit after getting a chance in the June minicamp.

During that time, he said he developed some chemistry with left guard Ben Grubbs — which was invaluable to him.

“It is a big deal,” he said of starting on the first day of camp. “I’m just trying to keep my mistakes to a minimum, if any at all, and keep learning every day and keep growing.”
Harper’s recovery

Strong safety Roman Harper, who was put on the physically-unable-to-perform list this week, surprised everyone when he was on the field and working with the first-team defense Friday.

Saints coach Sean Payton said Thursday that Harper had sports hernia surgery and would likely be out a couple of days.

But Harper, who had the surgery last month, made a quicker recovery.

“I felt good, and, for the most part, the reps I got moved around pretty good,” Harper said. “It’s coming along at a good pace right now. I’m where I need to be on the schedule.”

Read more: Charles Brown gets first shot at being Jermon Bushrod

|Mitch|

Good news! We can't afford anymore serious injuries this year!

homerj07

That Charles Brown - He's a clown! He's gonna get caught, just you wait & see...

QBREES9

Good Luck Charles

jeanpierre

I would love to see it caught on camera when Charles Brown goes down with his next injury - Coach Payton putting his hand to his visor and exclaim - "Good Grief, Brown!"

SaintsBro

I am fine with him being left tackle, but I do not want to see him running up to kick any field goals!

QBREES9

Just hope he can do the job.

jeanpierre

C'mon Armstead - learn, baby, learn...

thebdj

Is there anyone who doesn't think that the way this story pans out is that Brown goes down in Game 4 or 5, Armstead comes in and never loses his place again......

dizzle88

Ive heard charles brown has been doing a good job so far in training camp