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We’re finally reaching the point where there’s some football news out of the New Orleans Saints.

The team had its rookie minicamp over the weekend and assistant head coach Joe Vitt, who is stepping in for suspended coach Sean Payton, and the coordinators met with the New Orleans media Monday afternoon. There was no major news, but I’m looking at the transcripts and seeing several items that are worth discussing.

The veteran Saints have yet to hit the field in their offseason workouts, but that will come next week. With the contract situation of quarterback Drew Brees still very much up in the air, the Saints have to prepare to take the field without their leader. The Brees situation could change with a phone call, but the Saints are preparing to begin their on-field workouts with Chase Daniel and Sean Canfield as their quarterbacks.

“We’re going to throw the volume of offense at them that we would in a normal week,’’ offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. said. “It won’t be any different in that aspect.”

The Saints aren’t ruling out the possibility of adding another quarterback before they hit the field. They had Brian Brohm in for a tryout during the camp and could possibly sign him or someone else in the coming days. But, for the moment, they’re looking at proceeding with the quarterbacks they have under contract.

“This is going to be an opportunity for Chase and Sean to get more reps and get a good look at those guys,’’ Carmichael said.

There have been reports the Saints and Brees have made no progress toward a long-term contract. Vitt said the negotiations are between general manager Mickey Loomis and Brees’ agent, but still remained optimistic that the quarterback will have a contract before training camp.

“I’ve never been a math major and I’m not an accounting major so there’s nothing I could advise Mickey to do that what he already knows how to do,’’ Vitt said. “Those guys are both on the same page and have the same aspirations and same goals. This is going to get done. I don’t (believe) anybody ever thought it was going to be easy. I think they’re both working to the same goal.”

Vitt and the coordinators also addressed several other topics of significance.

The Saints have re-signed veteran kicker John Kasay, who stepped in last year when Garrett Hartley was injured. Special teams coordinator Greg McMahon said neither kicker is guaranteed a roster spot.

“We’re going to make it competitive, absolutely,’’ McMahon said. “All phases of our team are. We re-signed John for a reason. Garrett knows that and it will certainly be good competition. It’s healthy. It’s good for us.”

Uncertainty remains about the status of linebacker Jonathan Vilma and defensive end Will Smith. The NFL has suspended Vilma for the entire 2012 season and Smith is scheduled to be suspended for the first four games of the season for their roles in the bounty program. But those suspensions are on hold because both players have appealed.

“Both of those players were in the building today and we’re moving forward,’’ Vitt said. “We had a great film session with these guys. I think I have to go back to what we said a couple weeks ago. We’re trying to win today. Today, we got a little bit better than yesterday. This weekend we got a little bit better than the previous weekend. We’re going to adjust those challenges when we have to face them.”

Vitt also said the Saints will open training camp at their facility in Metairie, but suggested they will spend some time practicing against one of their preseason opponents. The Saints open the preseason by playing in the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio against the Arizona Cardinals. They follow that with a road game in New England, home games with Jacksonville and Houston and close out the preseason with a game at Tennessee.

“We’ll open up (camp) a little early because we have the Hall of Fame game and then we’ll probably go and practice against one of our upcoming opponents in training camp,’’ Vitt said. “I think Mickey’s ready to talk about it in a week when it gets settled, but we’ll go away, kind of like we did in California (last preseason) for a week. We did it two years before that in Houston. We’ll go away and practice with an opponent that we have in our preseason schedule.”

Vitt also addressed the status of running back Mark Ingram, who recently had arthroscopic knee surgery.

“I think anytime you see a player limping around with a late-season offseason surgery like he had, you’re concerned,’’ Vitt said. “What I’m not concerned about is his dedication to getting better and his accountability to his teammates. He’s shows up to treatment on time every day. He’s not late. He’s taken a good business approach to this thing. The surgery is probably something that he didn’t have to get done, but as an organization we all agreed that he should get it done to make him a stronger player. Mark a dependable guy now. He’s not going to miss his treatment. He gets his work done. You’re concerned obviously with this, but not much with him.”

Vitt said the Saints may proceed cautiously with Ingram at the start of training camp, but have no doubt he’ll be ready for the beginning of the regular season.

Now, that the NFL draft is over, let’s have some fun. Let’s start looking ahead to next season with team-by-team looks at what I project as the opening day lineups for each of the four NFC South teams.

Let’s start with the New Orleans Saints, who might not have any rookies open the season as starters because they didn’t have a draft pick until the third round. Also, let’s keep in mind that the Saints could be dealing with some suspensions from their bounty program. We won’t speculate on possible suspensions. We’ll just go with the depth chart as I see it now and I’ll throw in comments where there could be competition.

OFFENSE

• QB Drew Brees (assuming his contract situation gets straightened out)
• RB Pierre Thomas (you can also count Darren Sproles as a starter)
• FB Jed Collins
• WR Marques Colston
• WR Devery Henderson (Lance Moore will play as much as the starters)
• TE Jimmy Graham
• LT Jermon Bushrod
• LG Ben Grubbs
• C Brian de la Puente
• RG Jahri Evans
• RT Zach Strief

DEFENSE

• DE Will Smith
• DT Sedrick Ellis
• DT Brodrick Bunkley
• DE Cameron Jordan
• LB Curtis Lofton
• LB Jonathan Vilma (it remains to be seen if Vilma or Lofton will play in the middle)
• LB Scott Shanle
• CB Jabari Greer
• CB Patrick Robinson
• FS Malcolm Jenkins
• SS Roman Harper

SPECIALISTS

• K Garrett Hartley (assuming he wins training camp competition with John Kasay)
• P Thomas Morstead
• PR Darren Sproles
• KR Darren Sproles

In a normal year, Sean Payton would be in the bunker the day before the draft.

But, as we all know, this is far from a normal year for Payton and the Saints. New Orleans doesn’t even have a pick in the draft until the third round and Payton is suspended.

Payton had been out of the public eye since his season-long suspension began two weeks ago. But he resurfaced Wednesday, playing in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans pro-am event and was paired with PGA Tour player Ryan Palmer. There’s no doubt Palmer and Payton conversed as they played.

But, here’s the weird thing: Payton isn’t allowed to have contact with anyone that works for the Saints while he’s suspended. Several New Orleans players and Saints employees also were playing in the event. I understand the NFL doesn’t want Payton coaching the Saints from a distance while he’s suspended.

That’s understandable. But I think it’s a little ridiculous that Payton couldn’t even say a casual hello to kicker Garrett Hartley, offensive tackle Zach Strief or some long-time co-workers that also were playing in the event.

A little bit of news on the Saints and, this time, it’s not controversial.

The Saints have re-signed veteran kicker John Kasay to a one-year contract. Kasay, who spent much of his career with the Carolina Panthers, joined the Saints last season after Garrett Hartley suffered a preseason injury. Kasay, 42, went on to set franchise records with 147 total points and 63 extra points last season. He connected on 82.4 percent of his field-goal attempts.

Hartley injured his hip last year and all indications have been that he’ll be ready for this season. The Saints may have brought Kasay back as insurance or they might want to put Hartley in a competitive situation during training camp.

TAMPA, Fla. -- I’m out at One Buccaneer Place to gather some preview material for Monday night’s game with the Colts.

But first, let’s log in a few roster moves that are not big surprises. The Bucs just formally announced safety Cody Grimm has been placed on the injured reserve list. He injured his knee in Sunday’s game. The Bucs filled Grimm’s roster spot by promoting tight end Collin Franklin from the practice squad. They also signed offensive lineman Zane Taylor to take Franklin’s spot on the practice squad.

Also, the Saints reportedly placed kicker Garrett Hartley on the injured reserve list. Hartley suffered a hip injury in the preseason. That means veteran John Kasay, who was signed as a temporary fill-in, will remain as the team’s kicker. Kasay got off to a rough start in the preseason, but has kicked well through the first three games of the regular season.

A look at the top headlines from around the NFC South.

Atlanta defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder said James Sanders and Thomas DeCoud will continue to compete for the starting job at free safety. DeCoud started the opener, but the veteran Sanders started in his place in Week 2.

Although running quarterback Cam Newton has been putting up huge passing numbers, the Panthers say they have to get better in the running game. With DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart in the backfield, the talent is there. But the Panthers have been hindered by some injuries on the offensive line.

Tampa Bay’s defense is allowing an average of 6.2 yards per snap. That’s a pace that’s worse than the 1986 defense, which allowed a franchise-record 6.0 yards per play.

Jim Henderson and Bradley Handwerger discuss the Saints’ kicking situation. John Kasay has made all his field-goal attempts and that could make for a difficult decision when Garrett Hartley is healthy enough to return.

The Panthers will face rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert on Sunday. Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio has elected to go with Gabbert over Luke McCown, who started the first two games.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- We just got the list of the inactives for the New Orleans Saints in Thursday night’s game against the Green Bay Packers.

Kicker Garrett Hartley, receiver Lance Moore, running back Joique Bell, cornerback Johnny Patrick, offensive lineman Matt Tennant, tight end John Gilmore and defensive tackle Tom Johnson will be inactive.

Hartley and Moore are out due to injuries. The Saints brought in veteran kicker John Kasay to fill in for Hartley. In Moore’s absence, the Saints will rely on Marques Colston, Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem, but they also have activated Adrian Arrington and he could get some playing time.

APPLETON, Wisc. -- The New Orleans Saints had to put out their final injury report Wednesday and the rest of the NFC South teams had to put out their first injury reports.

Let’s take a look at the injuries of note throughout the division.

• The Saints have declared kicker Garrett Hartley (hip) and receiver Lance Moore (groin) out for Thursday’s game at Green Bay. Hartley’s absence is not a big surprise. He was injured in the preseason and the Saints brought in veteran John Kasay to kick in the interim. Not having Moore hurts, but the Saints still have Marques Colston, Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem to handle most of the duties at wide receiver. The Saints also listed receiver Adrian Arrington (knee) and defensive tackle Tom Johnson (calf) as questionable.
• The Falcons don’t have to declare a status on their injured players yet, but they went ahead and said center Todd McClure (knee) will miss the opener at Chicago. That’s been expected and second-year pro Joe Hawley likely will start in McClure’s place. Defensive tackle Corey Peters (knee) sat out practice. That could clear the way for Peria Jerry to move into the starting lineup.
• Looks like a bit of positive news for the Panthers. Linebacker Jon Beason (ankle) was able to participate in practice on a limited basis. Beason has been sidelined for several weeks, but the fact he was on the field means there’s a chance he could play Sunday at Arizona.
• Tampa Bay’s injury report was very light. Cornerback Myron Lewis (ankle) was the only player who didn’t practice. Linebacker Dekoda Watson took part on a limited basis.

We won’t start our leaguewide Stock Watch feature until next week. But I’m going to go ahead and do one for the NFC South this week because we have more than enough to work with.

FALLING

Aqib Talib, cornerback, Buccaneers. We’re starting his stock low because he had a turbulent offseason and he’s going to be under the microscope. This guy can’t afford a wrong move on or off the field. He’s got to stay focused on football and get his career on a good path.

Mike Peterson, linebacker, Falcons. All indications are the veteran has lost his starting job to Stephen Nicholas, who got a big contract to stay with the team. Peterson re-signed for the veteran minimum and Nicholas got first-team work throughout the preseason. But the good news is Peterson’s the kind of guy who can handle a backup role and be a mentor. He also still might be able to step in and play a little bit, if needed.

John Kasay, kicker, Saints. He starts off the season on the hot seat after missing a field goal and an extra point in his preseason debut with New Orleans. Released by Carolina earlier this summer, Kasay’s a proven veteran who has made many big kicks throughout his career. He was signed to fill in while Garrett Hartley is out with a hip injury. But coach Sean Payton isn’t the most patient guy in the world when it comes to kickers, so Kasay better get on track in a hurry.

RISING

Garrett Reynolds, guard, Falcons. He won the starting job at right guard by beating out Mike Johnson. This is a chance for Reynolds to pave the way to a nice, long career. He’ll be playing next to right tackle Tyson Clabo and that will help. Offensive line coach Paul Boudreau is a master at working with guys who were drafted late or not at all and turning them into reliable players.

Sione Fua and Terrell McClain, defensive tackles, Panthers. Ready or not, the two rookies are going to play extensively. The Panthers tried to buy them some time by signing free agent Ron Edwards, but he got hurt. The Panthers tried a few other veterans, but they either couldn’t play or were hurt. The Panthers are just going to have to throw McClain and Fua out there and hope they grow up in a hurry.

Julio Jones, receiver, Falcons. We’re going to start this rookie’s stock very high because that’s exactly what the Falcons have done in the preseason. They’ve showcased their first-round draft pick, throwing to him often and letting him run reverses. You generally like to save those things as surprises for the regular season. But my guess is the Falcons wanted to go ahead and make opposing defenses very aware of Jones because that may free things up for some other offensive players.

The New Orleans Saints had to issue their first injury report of the season Monday for Thursday night’s game in Green Bay.

The report is surprisingly light. Only three players sat out Monday’s practice. Receivers Lance Moore (groin) and Adrian Arrington (knee) did not participate. Neither did kicker Garrett Hartely (hip).

The absence of Hartley was expected. He injured the hip in the third preseason game and it looks like he could miss multiple games. That’s why the Saints brought in veteran John Kasay.

The Saints also listed defensive tackle Tom Johnson (calf) as limited in practice.

Green Bay’s injury report also was light. Cornerback Davon House (ankle) and linebacker Frank Zombo (shoulder) were the only players who did not participate.

Tight end Jermichael Finley (ankle) and defensive end Mike Neal (knee) were limited in practice.

With the start of the regular season just days away, the New Orleans Saints suddenly seem to have a major problem.

John Kasay, the veteran kicker the team signed earlier this week, missed a field goal attempt and an extra point attempt in Thursday night’s preseason finale. Kasay was signed after regular kicker Garrett Hartley injured his hip.

There are reports Hartley could be out anywhere from six to 10 weeks, but coach Sean Payton after Thursday night’s game called those reports inaccurate. He said if Hartley was going to be out that long he probably would be placed on the injured reserve list and indicated that’s not in the plans.

Still, it appears obvious Hartley will miss at least several games. Can the Saints afford to stick with Kasay after what they saw Thursday?

Payton hasn’t always shown a great deal of patience with kickers. But, in this case, I think he needs to be sure he doesn’t overreact. I wouldn’t go judging Kasay on one game.

He’s made a bunch of clutch kicks in his career and there aren’t many guys I’d rather have lining up for a field goal with the game on the line. Kasay is 41 and had been out of work for more than a month after the Carolina Panthers released him.

Although Kasay had been working out on his own, he’s had very little practice time with the Saints. He kicks with his left leg and that means there’s an adjustment period for the holders.

Lots of other kickers will come free as teams cut their rosters to 53 players by Saturday evening. It might be tempting to grab one of them and scrap Kasay.

But that also might end up being a mistake. Maybe Kasay just needs a little time to adjust to a new holder and long-snapper.

You don’t know what you’re getting with another kicker. Despite Thursday night’s performance, you know what you’re getting with Kasay. You’re getting a guy who’s been consistent throughout his career and made plenty of big kicks.

John Kasay is 41, which is one of the major reasons the Carolina Panthers released the kicker last month. But as Kasay met with the New Orleans media after signing with the Saints on Tuesday, he said he feels like he still can be productive.

“I am not as young as I use to be,’’ Kasay said. “I am not fooling anybody with that but there have been a handful of guys who have done very well playing into their 40’s. Morten Anderson, John Carney, Gary Anderson, Matt Stover, Jason Hanson. It’s a privilege to be able to play and to do the same thing I was doing as a kid.”

Kasay said he had continued working out, even though he wasn’t sure he would get another chance to kick in the league. That changed quickly after New Orleans kicker Garrett Hartley suffered a hip injury in Sunday night’s preseason game.

“This came together obviously very quickly based on what happened to Garrett,’’ Kasay said. “That’s just the nature of the league. I am married. I have four children and school started last week. I was back-to-school-night last night. That’s how fast life changes.”

Coach Sean Payton wouldn't go into specifics about the severity of Hartley's injury and it's unclear if the Saints think they'll be going with Kasay for the long term or only the short term. Payton said familiarity with Kasay is one reason the Saints chose him.

“With his experience, we know the player a little bit more than some of the others because he’s been in our division,'' Payton said. "He’s consistent. He’s a veteran player and we just started getting some work with him today. Really the adjustment is in the hold because he’s a left-footed kicker.”

Punter Thomas Morstead and backup quarterback Chase Daniel worked as holders with Kasay in Tuesday's practice.

“That’s a good question,'' Payton said when asked who will hold. "I think we’ll go with the holder that is most apt at doing it. Both of them, Chase right now and Thomas Morstead, are getting comfortable doing that and working through the kinks.”

As friend and former co-worker Scott Fowler first reported earlier Tuesday, John Kasay is staying in the NFC South.

He has signed with the New Orleans Saints. The team just sent out the official announcement. Kasay’s signing comes after kicker Garrett Hartley injured his hip in Sunday’s preseason game. We still don’t know how serious Hartley’s injury is and if Kasay’s stay will be for the short term or the long term.

Kasay hit 86.2 percent of his field-goal attempts last season and was the last remaining player from the 1995 expansion Panthers. He was released partly because the Panthers didn’t want to carry a kickoff specialist and Kasay hadn’t handled kickoffs in several years. The Panthers brought in Olindo Mare to handle place-kicking and kickoff duties. Kickoffs won’t be a problem for the Saints because punter Thomas Morstead can do that.

The Saints also confirmed the release of defensive end Alex Brown. In other moves to get down to Tuesday’s 80-man roster limit, the Saints waived the following players and designated them as injured – guard Roger Allen, linebacker Ezra Butler, receiver Jarred Fayson and running back Chris Taylor. The Saints also waived receiver John Chiles, tackle Dan Gay, fullback Kolby Hurt, safety DeAndre McDaniel, cornerback Mark Parson and center Ryan Taylor.

John Kasay, who was released by the Carolina Panthers just before training camp, appears to be headed for another NFC South destination.

Scott Fowler reports the kicker is close to signing with New Orleans. Garrett Hartley is the Saints’ kicker, but he injured his hip in Sunday’s preseason game with Oakland. The severity of Hartley’s injury isn’t clear, but the Saints must expect him to miss some time if they’re bringing in Kasay.

At 41, Kasay had been the last member of the 1995 expansion Panthers with the team. But Carolina elected to let Kasay go and bring in Olindo Mare. The rationale was that Mare had a stronger leg and could handle kickoffs, something Kasay hadn’t done in recent years.

That shouldn’t be an issue in New Orleans, where punter Thomas Morstead serves as the kickoff specialist. Kasay remains a reliable field goal kicker. He connected on 86.2 percent of his attempts last season.

A quick look at the top headlines from around the NFC South.

The Falcons had problems with their pass defense in Saturday night’s loss to Pittsburgh. They know they have to get better play out of the secondary by the time the regular season rolls around.

Joseph Person has an overview of what Carolina’s roster might look like in the regular season.

John Romano writes about how the Bucs have a chance to have a good run defense for the first time in a very long time.

Drew Brees said Sunday night’s victory against Oakland was similar to when the Saints beat the Raiders in the preseason two years ago. You might remember the Saints went on to win the Super Bowl that season.

Carolina linebacker Jon Beason had three screws inserted in his foot last week, but still hopes to be ready to play in the regular-season opener.

New Orleans kicker Garrett Hartley injured his hip Sunday night. He doesn’t think the injury is serious.