METAIRIE, La. -- During the first spring practice open to the media Thursday, the first pass thrown by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees was caught by none other than Cameron Meredith.

The play itself was nothing special. It was just a passing drill with the receivers running routes against air and no defenders on the field. Meredith isn't participating in full-team drills yet.

But it was still a ground-breaking moment for a receiver who just returned to practice this week for the first time since he tore the ACL, MCL and meniscus in his left knee last August with the Chicago Bears.