Things are looking up for the Saints.
Drew Brees led a touchdown drive as the Saints opened the preseason last night with a win the Hall of Fame Game and the NFL reportedly has offered to reduce linebacker Jonathan Vilma’s year-long Bountygate suspension to eight games.
The settlement, sources told ESPN, is contingent on Vilma dropping a civil lawsuit against commissioner Roger Goodell for defamation of character. A deal could be struck before a court date Friday in the defamation suit.
Brees was sharp on the 10-play drive, completing 4 of 5 passes for 41 yards, then yielded to backup Chase Daniel, who threw for 203 yards and a touchdown to lead the 17-10 victory over the Cardinals in Canton, Ohio.
Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb was shaken up on a hard tackle and left the game with bruised ribs. He walked off the field without assistance.
A crew of officials with college experience worked the game, filling in for regulars locked out in a labor dispute with the NFL.
SEAHAWKS: Out-of-work wide receiver Terrell Owens will get a tryout today, the team confirmed.
Owens hasn’t played in the NFL since the 2010 season with Cincinnati when he caught 72 passes for 983 yards and nine touchdowns. The 38-year-old Owens didn’t get any NFL offers last season after surgery on his left knee. He was released from the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League in May.
TITANS: Wide receiver Kenny Britt is scheduled to meet today with officials at the NFL office.
Britt was charged with driving under the influence July 20, his eighth run-in with police since he was drafted in 2009. He could be facing a suspension for his latest alleged incident.
LIONS: Defensive end Cliff Avril reported to training camp and signed his tender that will pay him $10.6 million this season as franchise-tagged player. He missed more than a week of practice.
“Ready to get this thing rolling,” he said.
BEARS: Wide receiver Devin Thomas, a former Giant, retired.
Thomas announced his decision via Twitter. Thomas was trying to make the Bears as a reserve receiver and special teams player.
