ESPN NFL

Atlanta Falcons

Potential unrestricted free agents: CB Brian Williams, WR Marty Booker, QB Chris Redman.

Potential restricted free agents: RB Jason Snelling, RB Jerious Norwood, P Michael Koenen, CB Brent Grimes, OL Quinn Ojinnaka, T Tyson Clabo, G Harvey Dahl.

Franchise player: None.

What to expect: General manager Thomas Dimitroff repeatedly has used the phrase “fiscally responsible’’ when talking about the approach to free agency. In other words, the Falcons aren’t going to go on some wild spending spree. This organization prefers to build through the draft. But history has shown the Falcons aren’t afraid to make a strategic strike or two in free agency. They have a huge need at defensive end and that’s a tough spot to get guaranteed production from when you’ve got the No. 19 overall pick in the draft. The Falcons aren’t likely to target elite free-agent DE Julius Peppers, but you could see them make a move for another pass-rusher.

Carolina Panthers

Potential unrestricted free agents: DE Julius Peppers, WR Muhsin Muhammad, QB Josh McCown, QB A.J. Feeley.

Potential restricted free agents: LB Thomas Davis, QB Matt Moore, TE Jeff King, CB Richard Marshall, DT Louis Leonard, LB James Anderson, DT Tank Tyler, CB C.J. Wilson.

Franchise player: None.

What to expect: Owner Jerry Richardson is very concerned about the uncertain labor situation and that may keep him from spending big money in free agency. The Panthers avoided a $20 million hit by not placing the franchise tag on Peppers, but that doesn’t mean all of that money is going to be used in free agency. The Panthers traditionally are a team that builds through the draft and they didn’t sign a single UFA last year. But look for at least a few smaller moves because coach John Fox has to win this year and needs to improve this roster, especially on the defensive line, at wide receiver and perhaps at quarterback.

New Orleans Saints

Potential unrestricted free agents: QB Mark Brunell, S Darren Sharper, TE Dan Campbell, TE Darnell Dinkins, DT Kendrick Clancy, LB Scott Fujita, S Pierson Prioleau, LS Jason Kyle.

Potential restricted free agents: G Jahri Evans, RB Mike Bell, RB Pierre Thomas, WR Lance Moore, TE David Thomas, T Jermon Bushrod, S Roman Harper, S Usama Young, DT Remi Ayodele, DT Anthony Hargrove, T Zach Strief, S Chris Reis, WR Courtney Roby, LB Marvin Mitchell.

Franchise player: None

What to expect: As a final-four team the Saints aren’t allowed to sign any unrestricted free agents unless they lose one of their own at a similar price tag. That’s likely to keep the Saints from being big players in free agency. But the good news is they don’t have a lot of dramatic needs. They will have to keep a protective eye on some of their restricted free agents, who may draw interest from other teams.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Potential unrestricted free agents: WR Antonio Bryant, DE Jimmy Wilkerson, S Will Allen, LB Angelo Crowell, S Jermaine Phillips.

Potential restricted free agents: RB Cadillac Williams, LB Barrett Ruud, T Donald Penn, WR Maurice Stovall, T Jeremy Trueblood.

Franchise player: None.

What to expect: The Bucs haven’t spent a lot of money in free agency in recent years and they’ve been sending out signals this year won’t be much different. They’re focused on the 10 draft picks they hold. But the Bucs could pull a small surprise or two. They’ve got a restless fan base and more needs than those draft picks can handle. A couple of signings in free agency could energize the fan base and help the rebuilding process. The Bucs really need a No. 1 wide receiver and they’re not truly positioned to get that in the draft.

One of the things the New Orleans Saints did best this season was overcome injuries. That’s a huge improvement from 2008, when injuries were largely responsible for keeping the Saints out of the playoffs.

This season, they ended with 15 players on injured reserve, and some of those guys were significant players.

Here’s the complete list of Saints on injured reserve with comments about the more significant ones.

• FB Heath Evans: This actually might have been the most significant injury the Saints suffered. Evans was a jack-of-all-trades and a perfect fit in this offense. Without him, the Saints have had to scramble because they did not have another proven fullback. They’ve had to throw some guys in there as well as line their tight ends up in the backfield at times.
• TE Dan Campbell and TE Billy Miller: These guys also could have helped the fullback situation. They were both good blockers to go along with Jeremy Shockey, who is used mostly as a pass catcher. The Saints did pick up David Thomas and he’s done a nice role filling in.
• DE Charles Grant: He didn’t get hurt until the end of the regular season, so we won’t know the full impact until the Saints hit the field again. Backup Bobby McCray might get some time at end on passing downs. McCray is at least as good a pass rusher as Grant and Anthony Hargrove, who also plays inside.
• LT Jammal Brown: It’s pretty amazing the Saints won 13 games when they didn’t have their Pro Bowl left tackle for any of them. Jermon Bushrod and Zach Strief have alternated at the position. They’ve had some ups and downs, but the coaching staff has done an excellent job of putting help near them.
• DT Kendrick Clancy: This veteran was kind of an unsung hero. Losing him hurt, but players like Hargrove have done a nice job filling in.
• FB Marcus Mailei
• WR Rod Harper
• WR D’Juan Woods
• LB Mark Simoneau
• LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar
• LB Stanley Arnoux
• CB Leigh Torrence
• CB Reggie Jones
• S Chip Vaughn

	Derick E. Hingle/US Presswire
	Defensive end Anthony Hargrove had a difficult time enjoying the Saints' victory.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

NEW ORLEANS -- There’s something you need to know about Anthony Hargrove’s performance Sunday.

The Saints' defensive tackle scored the first touchdown of his NFL career on a fumble recovery to seal a 30-20 victory against the Carolina Panthers. But you already know that.

Week 9 Coverage • Kuharsky: Caldwell not challenged • Walker: Bengals are no joke • Yasinskas: Hargove plays through pain • Seifert: Bears at a loss • Sando: Cardinals hot and cold • Wojciechowski: Joke's on the Bears • Mosley: Defense carries Cowboys • Graham: Patriots pull away • Reiss: Patriots tame Wildcat • Clayton: Last Call • Pasquarelli: Rivers best for a night • MNF: On the same path | MN HQ • NFL Nation: Reactions | Wrap-ups | Live

What you didn’t know is that Hargrove was playing in pain. The kind that made his voice crack as he fought back tears in the postgame locker room. The Saints had won, but Hargrove was dealing with loss and struggling.

Hargrove was visibly upset about the death of a close friend Friday. Hargrove said his friend, whom he met while playing for the Buffalo Bills and worked on some musical endeavors with, was shot and killed in Buffalo. Hargrove didn’t want to go into intimate details, but he was extremely somber on what should have been one of the happiest days of his life.

“It’s really just starting to sink in and it’s hitting me hard,’’ Hargrove said. “It’s a rough world out there. It makes you realize life is short and you have to make the most of each day.’’

That’s a lesson Hargrove has learned repeatedly in recent years and all indications are he’s taking it quite seriously. Even before the death of his friend, Hargrove had been dealing with adversity, but he’s the first to tell you all that has made him stronger.

Signed as a long shot back in the offseason, Hargrove has turned into a staple on the New Orleans' defense. With Kendrick Clancy out for the season and Sedrick Ellis temporarily sidelined with an injury, Hargrove suddenly has become a starter and a force on the defensive line.

Sunday’s game was the best of a star-crossed career and it also makes you think there’s potential for more growth from Hargrove, if he can continue to handle adversity well. Hargrove made three solo tackles, forced a fumble and recovered two fumbles.

Not bad for a guy who hadn’t recovered a fumble since 2005 and was out of the league all of last season.

“Never in a million years did I expect it to be like this,’’ Hargrove said.

Truth be told, the Saints probably didn’t expect anything like this from Hargrove when they took a low-risk shot and signed him to a contract. He was viewed as possible depth at defensive end and defensive tackle at a time when it appeared starting defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant each might have to serve a four-game suspension to start the season. As it turned out, Smith and Grant were not suspended, but the Saints had to prepare for a worst-case scenario.

Hargrove came to training camp with no guarantee of making the roster. But now, he’s solidly entrenched in the starting lineup.

“To his credit, he’s been able to take it one day at a time and work hard,’’ New Orleans coach Sean Payton said. “I think the support cast and his decision to seize that opportunity. ... We’re real proud of him.’’

The Saints should be proud of Hargrove. He’s part of the reason the team is undefeated. That’s largely because Hargrove has fought off problems from the past. Once a promising prospect with the St. Louis Rams and Buffalo Bills, Hargrove’s career appeared to be very much in jeopardy -- or maybe even over -- in recent years.

It started on Aug. 11, 2007, when it was reported that Hargrove had violated the league’s substance-abuse policy and would be suspended for the first four games of the season. But Hargrove missed more than those four games. He didn't return to the Bills that season and on Jan. 18, 2008, it was reported that Hargrove had failed another drug test and would be suspended for the entire 2008 season.

Somewhere in that year off is where Hargrove turned his life around.

“I think I’ve grown up a lot in the last year or so,’’ said Hargrove, 26. “I had to grow up. It was past time to grow up. I think the biggest thing I learned was how important each day is and making the most of every opportunity in life.’’

Hargrove’s making the most of this opportunity. He convinced the Saints to give him a chance and that’s a decision that no one regrets. In fact, Hargrove has turned out to be a major cog in a defense that’s thrived since going through some major offseason rebuilding.

“I’m truly having fun out there,’’ Hargrove said. “This is a fun defense to play in. We all play off one another and no one guy is bigger than the team. It’s fun to be a part of something like this.’’

But Hargrove said the death of his friend was putting a big damper on his ability to fully enjoy Sunday’s victory. Hargrove said there’s a lot to sort through with the emotional aspects of his loss.

That will take time. But if Hargrove can once again overcome adversity, he might come out of this even stronger.

“I just have to keep reminding myself every day about the wonderful chance the New Orleans Saints have given me,’’ Hargrove said. “They gave me a chance to play again when nobody else was really doing that. They gave me an opportunity and what’s happened the last couple days has really reinforced that you have to take advantage of every opportunity you get because you never know when opportunities will stop coming.’’

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

METAIRIE, La. -- I just arrived in the greater New Orleans area. Thanks for the updates, but I’m well aware of the fact Penn State lost today. Next, only one bit of news out of the NFC South while I was in the air.

As expected the Saints elevated defensive tackle DeMario Pressley from the practice squad. Of more significance, they placed veteran defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy on the injured reserve list. That’s a mild surprise because I didn’t think Clancy’s knee injury was that serious. But it must be pretty bad for the Saints, who are poised to go a long way in the postseason, to put Clancy down for the rest of the year.

Pressley probably will jump straight into the regular rotation because the only two healthy defensive tackles on the roster right now are Anthony Hargrove and Remi Ayodele. Starter Sedrick Ellis is out right now, but should be back in a few weeks.

I also think you might see a fair amount of 3-4 defensive alignments out of the Saints on Sunday.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

A quick trip through Friday’s final reports on the status of the injuries that matter most in the NFC South.

The Saints have said defensive tackles Sedrick Ellis and Kendrick Clancy will not play Sunday. With only two healthy defensive tackles on the roster right now, look for the Saints to make a roster move. If I had to guess, I’d say they’ll bring DeMario Pressley up from the practice squad. Receiver Lance Moore also will be out. That just means more passes for the rest of the New Orleans army of receivers.

Tampa Bay receivers Michael Clayton and Antonio Bryant both are listed as questionable. Fill in your own punch line. I say go ahead and start rookie Sammie Stroughter – now and for the rest of the season. At least we know he’ll be around next year.

Carolina kicker John Kasay is listed as questionable. The Panthers can turn to kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd for field goals and extra points. But you might be shocked by the drop off in accuracy between these two.

The Falcons are listing 10 players as questionable. But the good news is coach Mike Smith indicated receiver Roddy White and tackle Sam Baker should be able to play.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

With defensive tackles Sedrick Ellis and Kendrick Clancy both banged up and missing practice Thursday, it’s looking like the Saints will have to make significant adjustments for Sunday’s game with Carolina.

The only healthy defensive tackles on the roster at the moment are Anthony Hargrove and Remi Ayodele. Defensive ends Charles Grant and Bobby McCray also have the ability to slide inside at times. The Saints have set up in a 3-4 scheme at times this year, but defensive coordinator Gregg Williams isn’t prepared to say the Saints will go to that drastic a measure and use the 3-4 on a regular basis.

“We have to have a plan set up; we have to have a method of playing defense set up regardless of who’s healthy or who’s not,’’ Williams said. “That won’t change it at all. We’ll do that based upon what we think is the best plan for a team.’’

One other possibility would be to activate defensive tackle DeMario Pressley from the practice squad and that’s sounding like a real possibility. Williams said Pressley almost made the roster out of the preseason and has continued to improve in practice.

“I saw a lot of growth from him,’’ Williams said. We haven’t made that decision yet because we have so many other people and other packages that we’re looking at. But a really good game to take a look at him -- and I really needed to see this out of him -- was that last preseason game when he played against the Dolphins, he played lights out.

“To tell you the truth, I was holding my breath that he would make it through and we could get him back on the practice squad. I thought we had really messed up because we put him out there and he played really well enough to where if somebody really would’ve been looking, he’s a lot better than what a lot of guys are playing with in this league.’’

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

NEW ORLEANS – As expected, injured linebacker Scott Fujita and defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis will be inactive tonight.

Troy Evans will start in Fujita’s place. Anthony Hargrove will start in place of Ellis and the Saints have said Remi Ayodele will start at the other defensive tackle spot in place of Kendrick Clancy.

Other inactives for the Saints are kicker Garrett Hartley, cornerback Leigh Torrence, running back Lynell Hamilton, safety Chris Reis and center Nick Leckey. Chase Daniel will be the third quarterback.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

NEW ORLEANS – Just got the inactives and we’ve got a couple of points of interest for the Saints.

Kicker Garrett Hartley, who has finished serving a four-game suspension, is inactive. That means veteran John Carney will handle the kicking duties. Also, defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy, who had returned to practice this week after an injury, will not play. Remi Ayodele will continue to start in his place.

The other inactives for the Saints are cornerback Leigh Torrence, running back Lynell Hamilton, linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar, center Nick Leckey and tight end Darnell Dinkins. Chase Daniel will be the third quarterback.

For the Giants, Ramses Barden, Danny Ware, Aaron Ross, Michael Boley, Adam Koets, Guy Whimper, Clint Smith and Chris Canty are inactive.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

Time for a final check on the injuries that matter most around the NFC South.

Good news for the Saints on the injury front. Key players Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, Kendrick Clancy, Jahri Evans and Jermon Bushrod are all listed as probable for Sunday.

Tampa Bay’s Earnest Graham will be back in the starting lineup, but not as a running back. He’ll start at fullback because B.J. Askew has been ruled out for Sunday after being injured in a car wreck earlier this week.

Carolina’s Steve Smith (knee) is listed as probable for Sunday. I’m pretty sure you’ll see plenty of Smith against a struggling Tampa Bay secondary.

Still waiting for the Falcons to release their injury report with an update on fullback Ovie Mughelli. As soon as I get word, I’ll let you know.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

Coming off their bye week, the New Orleans Saints are about as healthy as they’ve been all season as they prepare for Sunday’s huge game with the New York Giants.

Courtesy of coach Sean Payton and the Saints’ public relations department, we’ve got Thursday’s injury report and it looks promising.

Defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy (knee) went through a full practice for the second straight day and that’s a pretty strong sign he’ll be ready to play. There also was progress from guard Jahri Evans. He went through practice on a limited basis after sitting out entirely Wednesday.

Now, on to a couple of injuries and positions that are still being sorted out. Let’s start with running back where Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell have taken turns so far this season. Thomas has a hamstring injury and was limited in practice. Bell is coming off a knee injury, but he participated fully. I wouldn’t go starting Bell on your fantasy team just yet. Keep an eye on what Thomas does Friday and consider the possibility the two could split carries if they both play.

At left tackle, Jermon Bushrod is healthy after missing a game with knee and ankle injuries. Bushrod had taken over when starter Jammal Brown went out with a season-ending injury and played pretty well. But there’s no guarantee Bushrod jumps right back into the starting lineup. Zach Strief played well in that spot in the last outing and Payton’s not tipping his hand about who will get the start against the Giants.

“It’s a good challenge to have this week, because we’re facing arguably one of the best pass rushers in the game in Osi Umenyiora,’’ Payton said. “He’s a guy that plays with great speed and anticipation and he can single-handedly disrupt your game plan if you’re not smart. Both of them have a lot of work ahead of them and they have a big job ahead of them Sunday.”

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

Time to check in on the most significant injuries around the NFC South as teams returned to practice Wednesday.

New Orleans defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy returned for a full practice Wednesday. That’s a pretty strong sign Clancy could be ready for Sunday’s showdown with the Giants. Clancy’s been dealing with a right knee injury since hurting it in the season opener. Another injury to keep an eye on: Guard Jahri Evans sat out practice with turf toe. We’ll see how this plays out as the week goes on, but the Saints really need Evans, who, very quietly, has become one of the league’s best guards.

The Falcons continue to have a very light injury report and the only thing significant on today’s is that fullback Ovie Mughelli didn’t practice because of a calf injury. If he can’t go Sunday, Verron Haynes would be the logical fill-in, but reserve tailback Jason Snelling also has the size to play fullback.

Tampa Bay receiver Antonio Bryant believes limited practice time is part of the reason for his slow start. He’s going to try to practice more and his plan includes getting his knee drained earlier in the week. Bryant participated in Wednesday’s practice on a limited basis.

Carolina held running back Jonathan Stewart (Achilles tendon) out of practice. But it sounds like that was precautionary and was due more to a wet field than any problems for Stewart.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

New Orleans coach Sean Payton met with the media a little bit ago and said defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy, running back Mike Bell and left tackle Jermon Bushrod will be out of Sunday’s game with the Jets.

The Bell situation was not unexpected and the combination of Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas means the Saints are fine at running back. Anthony Hargrove is a solid alternative to Clancy. The injury I’d be most concerned about is Bushrod.

Zach Strief will start in his place. Strief did all right in a fill-in roll at Buffalo, but the Jets are going to be coming after him with a lot of blitzes. The Saints better be prepared to give Strief lots of help.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

As we do each Wednesday, let’s look at the key injuries around the NFC South.

We’ll check in on New Orleans, Tampa Bay and Atlanta, but we’ll wait a day on Carolina. That’s because the Panthers aren’t playing until Monday night, so they’re a day behind everyone else and won’t issue an injury report until Thursday.

Saints. Coach Sean Payton already ruled offensive tackle Jammal Brown out and that’s no surprise. He’s missed the first two games and probably will miss some time beyond Sunday’s game. The more pertinent injury situations are running back Mike Bell, receiver Lance Moore and a trio of defensive linemen – Kendrick Clancy, Bobby McCray and Charles Grant. Bell has a sprained knee and didn’t practice. That probably means a healthy dose of Pierre Thomas against Buffalo. Moore has a hamstring injury and there still is optimism he might be ready, but receiver is New Orleans’ deepest position. Clancy and McCray didn’t practice and Grant was limited. We’ll see how those three injuries play out as the week goes on, but this situation has the potential to cut into the depth on the defensive line. Tackle Anthony Hargrove could get more time in the middle and the Saints will have Jeff Charleston ready if McCray and/or Grant can’t go.

Buccaneers. Center Jeff Faine isn’t going to play for a few more weeks and Sean Mahan will continue to start in his place. There are a couple of others to keep an eye on. Rookie defensive tackle Roy Miller sat out practice with an ankle injury and that’s a potential problem. Miller has been working in a rotation with starters Chris Hovan and Ryan Sims. Miller’s been one of the few defensive bright spots. If he can’t play Sunday, there’s not much depth behind him and Hovan and Sims need to stay fresh to be effective. Receiver Antonio Bryant (knee) returned to practice on a limited basis and coach Raheem Morris said he’s hopeful Bryant can play Sunday. That would be nice because Maurice Stovall, who started in Bryant’s place last week, did not practice because of a knee injury.

Falcons. Running back/return man Jerious Norwood was held out of practice after suffering a head injury Sunday. Nobody’s termed this a concussion, but nobody has said that’s not the case. Norwood took a pretty good shot against Carolina and I think there’s a decent chance he could miss some time. Jason Snelling looked good as a backup running back against the Panthers and Eric Weems picked up Norwood’s return duties. I’m thinking we could see more of the same against the Patriots.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinskas

Wednesday’s injury reports are coming in from around the NFC South.

Carolina’s Chris Harris, Sherrod Martin, James Stewart and Nick Hayden all missed practice, while Everette Brown, Charles Johnson and Jeff Otah were limited. Atlanta’s Jason Elam and William Moore were limited. The Falcons also listed Peria Jerry on the injury report, but he participated fully in practice.

Tampa Bay’s E.J. Biggers, Jeff Faine and Kyle Moore did not practice. Antonio Bryant and John Gilmore were limited.

In New Orleans, Jammal Brown, Darnell Dinkins, Jermon Bushrod, Kendrick Clancy, Tracey Porter and Jeremy Shockey did not practice and Roman Harper was limited. Running back Pierre Thomas, who sat out the opener, participated fully.

Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas

METAIRIE, La. -- To find the one New Orleans Saints' defensive tackle who's been to the Pro Bowl, you need to look at the roster, instead of the practice field.

Look closely because Rod Coleman is surrounded by a bunch of other names on that roster. You see his name on there and you look out on the field for the guy who used to roll up double-digit sacks and you don't really see him yet. He's very quiet on the field, which isn't really Coleman's nature.

	Scott Boehm/Getty Images
	Rod Coleman spent a year away from football. The Saints hope he has something left in the tank.

But talk to him and you quickly realize Coleman might still be Coleman before all is said and done. He still likes to talk and he still has that confidence that carried him through nine very productive seasons with the Oakland Raiders and Atlanta Falcons.

After a year out of football -- a year in which Coleman thought he was retired -- he still has the gift of gab. The Saints, and Coleman, are hoping he's still got the gift of being able to terrorize quarterbacks. Nobody is sure what Coleman, who turns 33 on Aug. 16, has left. But his comeback story is intriguing and it's certainly not dull. That's something Coleman has never been.

"Few players can do what I'm trying to do,'' Coleman said after Thursday afternoon's practice in temperatures above 90 degrees. "I want to be the exception to that because it seems like I've always been the exception. I came into the league and I was undersized and always had knocks against me. My whole career was all about proving people wrong, so this should be no different.''

This is really a no-lose situation. If Coleman can give the Saints, who are trying to rebuild a defense that has been putty the last two seasons, anything, he'll be happy and they'll be happy.

For now, Coleman is just happy being back on a football field. That's a location where he hasn't been for a while and, even when he was last there, he wasn't even close to happy.

Coleman's last season was 2007. It was in Atlanta, where the sky was falling. Michael Vick's legal troubles were just starting to play out. Coleman was so banged up that he played in only five games. Around him, the Falcons were crumbling. Losses were piling up and Bobby Petrino's ill-fated tenure as coach was wearing heavily on Coleman.

"I just wasn't ready to play after that because of all the stuff that happened in Atlanta, unheard of stuff with the coach quitting on you,'' Coleman said. "They hired a college guy to coach men and he just quit and left us hanging. It was just a stressful situation. A few teams called me last year, but I just didn't have it in me.''

The Falcons officially cut ties with Coleman, releasing him in February 2008, after new coach Mike Smith took over. Coleman thought that was the end and focused on spending his time on business ventures and with his sons.

"I was done,'' Coleman said. "I wanted to put my retirement papers in, but my agent told me to hold off and wait. I wasn't even watching games. I was busy with my sons and was just completely away from the game. Then around Christmas time, around playoff time, I watched a few games and I started getting the itch again.''

Was there one particular moment that brought the itch back and prompted Coleman to start working out and working toward a comeback? Not really. It's better than that.

"Just watching games did it,'' Coleman said. "Watching the interior play, it seemed like the sacks were down. Warren Sapp was gone and John Randle and all the great interior linemen. There were no more left. It was like the whole league just wanted big body guys, like it all disappeared within one year. That was part of motivation to come back and show that some guys still can make plays on the inside.''

Coleman got in touch with the Saints, who had just hired Bill Johnson as their defensive line coach. They had Sedrick Ellis and Kendrick Clancy as their starters, but not a lot beyond that, and they remembered the guy who put up 22 sacks between 2004 and 2005 and agreed to give him a shot.

It's still too early to tell if Coleman can be a starter, a situational player or even make the roster. But it's definitely worth a look.

"I think he's doing well,'' coach Sean Payton said. "He's getting in shape. He's a guy that played at a high level in Atlanta. Bill Johnson had some experience in coaching him at Atlanta and we felt like he was worth the opportunity to look at and see if he can get his body back and get in the shape we think he can. We think he still has some miles left. So far, he's been able to battle through it. I think he's handling things well. We'll get a chance to see in the preseason how he's doing."

The preseason games are going to be Coleman's real chance to see if he can still play.

"We're just trying to see what I've got left,'' Coleman said. "I mean, 10 years, it's supposed to be over. But I'm not ready for it to be over.''

It's not over yet and don't bet against Coleman because you just might lose.

"I've got to prove it to myself, the organization and the whole NFL,'' Coleman said. "Everybody's like, 'He's done. He's washed up.' My mindset is that I'm going to go out there and prove them wrong.''