Mark Simoneau News

Another round of mailbag questions for you. Here is part 1 from earlier today . I'm fresh out of new queries for this week, so if you have any new questions send them to Saintsmailbag@timespicayune.com. And remember to include your name and place of residence.

Jonathan Casillas has remained in the thick of the competition to make the New Orleans Saints roster as a linebacker.

The New Orleans Saints' surprising decision to trade up in last spring's NFL draft to select punter Thomas Morstead has so far produced the desired result.

Derrick Brooks wants to play this season for the New Orleans Saints. At issue, of course, is whether the Saints believe they can make it happen.

Kicker John Carney has re-joined the New Orleans Saints, signing with the club as a free agent on Saturday.

First-round draft pick Malcolm Jenkins covers receiver Paris Warren during morning practice at the Saints' facility on Sunday in Metairie.

The Saints placed linebacker Mark Simoneau on injured reserve Sunday, officially ending his 2009 season.

New Orleans Saints kicker Garrett Hartley says he expects to serve a four-game suspension when the regular season begins because he tested positive for a stimulant.

New Orleans Saints linebacker Scott Shanle, with tight end Jeremy Shocky, had 145 tackles last season, second best on the team.

Houston's top draft pick, linebacker Brian Cushing , won't play in Saturday's exhibition opener against Kansas City because of a sprained left knee.

At last, an NFL team is showing some genuine interest in 36-year-old, 11-time Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks.

At last, an NFL team is showing some genuine interest in 36-year-old, 11-time Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks.

At last, an NFL team is showing some genuine interest in 36-year-old, 11-time Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks .

Mark Simoneau has a torn triceps and is out for a few weeks. Saints linebacker Mark Simoneau will likely be out of the lineup for several weeks, if not longer, after he tore his triceps in Saturday's scrimmage.

Brees, who missed the Black and Gold scrimmage Saturday, practiced twice and is expected to be with the team all week and play in Friday's exhibition opener against the Cincinnati Bengals at the Superdome.

Two injuries worth noting out of Saturday's annual Black and Gold scrimmage, both involving starters -- weakside linebacker Mark Simoneau injured his right elbow and cornerback Tracy Porter tweaked his right hamstring.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been excused from training camp for an undisclosed family matter.

In fact, it wasn't even close for a number of reasons. First, Vilma was lining up for the first time with a team desperate to find a playmaker at middle linebacker - even if he was still running with a slight limp from knee surgery eight months earlier.

Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, center, reacts to the ball during morning practice Monday in Metairie, flanked by linebackers Mark Simoneau, left, and Scott Fujita.

You dont see linebackers punting and quarterbacks kicking field goals just to pull double duty.