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Saints like Brooks, but no deal yet

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The Associated Press

Published: August 13, 2009

METAIRIE, La. - Veteran linebackers Derrick Brooks and Derek Smith completed workouts with the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday afternoon, leaving coaches impressed but uncommitted to signing either one of them.

"Those guys are both in great shape," Coach Sean Payton said. "We're not going to do anything right yet."

The club brought the two linebackers in for a look after learning Mark Simoneau had a torn triceps in his right arm, which will require surgery today.

The Saints open their preseason slate against Cincinnati on Friday, and Payton said the club would wait until after the game before deciding whether to sign another player.

Brooks, 36, is a 14-year veteran who's been named to 11 Pro Bowls. He has played his entire career for the Bucs, who released him during the winter.

Saints starting middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma called Brooks "one of my idols growing up."

"What more can you ask than to have a guy like that come in - instant leadership, instant veteran play. I couldn't be happier if they did bring him in."

If the Saints sign either player, it would be only as a backup at first.

BRONCOS: Waived running back Ryan Torain (strained knee ligament).

COLTS: Safety Antoine Bethea cracked a bone in his right hand. Coach Jim Caldwell did not give a timetable for Bethea's return. Tight end Dallas Clark (slight concussion) is expected to miss Friday's game.

EAGLES: Starting left guard Todd Herremans could miss the rest of the preseason with a stress reaction in a bone in his foot just above the arch.

JETS: Waived wide receiver Huey Whittaker, who spent parts of the last three seasons with Tampa Bay and Utah of the Arena Football League. Left guard Alan Faneca (broken finger) will miss the team's preseason opener.

LIONS: Receiver Bryant Johnson was taken off the non-football injury list and went through individual drills in his comeback from a golf cart accident.

TEXANS: Linebacker Brian Cushing (sprained left knee) won't play Saturday.

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