Mason Tipton impresses on the third day of Saints Training Camp

Todd Graffagnini

1. Quick hits

For the first time in the three days of training camp, there were selected "vet days" based on what Coach Kellen Moore said "injury history, experience, and workload." Not practicing Friday were running backAlvin Kamara(who celebrated his 30th birthday Friday), defensive endCameron Jordan, linebackerDemario Davis, defensive tackleDavon Godchaux, wide receiverBrandin Cooks, and centerErik McCoy. Moore also made clear there have been no injury-related absences for the first three practices. With McCoy out, former LSU TigerWill Clappgot all the first team center reps. Wide receiverChris Olaveleft the practice field briefly after individual drills and headed into the training room for about 10 minutes, then returned and finished practice. After Thursday night's heavy rains, the Bermuda grass fields at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center were not perfectly dry, but held up nicely, despite two separate spells of rain at 9:40 a.m. (which caused a couple of slips by wide receiverRashid Shaheed(who still made both plays despite slipping), and duringBlake Grupe's five field-goal attempts. Battling a downpour and a stiff south breeze (right to left into the east endzone goalposts), Grupe went four of five with his only miss on the final kick of 48 yards from the left hash that sailed wide left. Immediately after Grupe's final kick, the rain stopped and bright sunshine graced the complex for the final periods of practiceQuarterbackJake Haenertook first team reps for 7-on-7 and team drills and performed well in his first opportunity. Moore mentioned to the media post practice this was the "cleanest" practice of the first three as far as the offensive execution was concerned.

2. Tipton Part 2

During the first couple of weeks (13 practices) of last year's training camp in Irvine, Calif., wide receiverMason Tiptonimpressed all who watched. The free agent rookie from Yale was so consistent displaying his deep ball and intermediate catching ability he actually was taking first team reps right before the first preseason game. Then he injured a hamstring, and his preseason and beginning of the season was effectively over. He made his NFL debut on Oct. 17 against the Broncos, snaring six catches for 45 yards. He finished his rookie season with eight catches. Now wearing No. 15 (he was 84 last season) Tipton showed flashes in Friday's practice of what we all saw in California. In 7-on-7 drills he made a tough catch on a low throw from Haener and scampered 20 yards. Two more chunk plays from quarterbackSpencer Rattlernetted 15 and 40 yards, the latter a deep left sideline route with cornerbackQuincy Rileyin coverage. Tipton would make two more catches, a sideline route thrown by rookieTyler Shoughand capped off his day during team period with another deep sideline route from Rattler for another 30 yards. With one professional season under his belt, Tipton has shown big-play ability as a receiver and kick returner. The only question is can he stay on the field consistently to display those talents week in and week out. He's certainly off to a promising start.

3. Play of the Day

Many to choose from, as all three quarterbacks made big plays throughout practice. Shough found tight endJuwan Johnsonon a 25-yard deep cross from right to left. A perfectly executed screen pass from Haener to running backKendre Millernetted huge yardage. Rattler found Shaheed on a deep slant on a 3rd-and-seven for a long touchdown. We'll save the Play of the Day, though, for the final team rep of practice. Headed into the east end zone, Rattler dropped back with great protection and fired a dart deep down the middle of the field where tight endMichael Jacobsonwas streaking toward the goal line. The pass was a just a bit high, but proved no problem for the 6-foot-7 Jacobson, who hauled it in and sprinted across the goal line for an impressive 30-yard touchdown. It was great way to end the day and head into the first off day of this training camp Saturday. Practice will resume at 9 a.m. Sunday and is open to the public.

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