Welcome back to Saints Training Camp in Jackson. The defense is back and its definitely a different feel for the first night practice of camp, with the team under the lights at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

7:46 PM Several defensive players started practice over on the stationary bikes: DT Hollis Thomas, DE Bobby McCray, and CB Tracy Porter. Coach Payton said after practice that Thomas would be back in action tonight after missing a few practices with inflammation in his right knee,  but it doesn't look like he'll be participating in any team drills tonight.

7:59 PM Payton is resting Jonathan Vilma this evening, Vilma is with the linebacker corps walking through some drills.

8:18 PM Josh Bullocks is also back on the field tonight taking reps with the second team defense.

8:21 PM The defense hasn't looked very good in the 11-on-11 drills so far. I can't recall having seen more than one incompletion yet from any of the three QBs.

8:29 The Saints have finally agreed to terms with first round draft pick Sedrick Ellis. The defensive tackle will get a five-year contract. Ellis will join the team on Wednesday. The Saints have only one practice tomorrow at 4:20.

8:40 PM Saints are working on special teams right now. 

8:51 PM Full offense and defense back on the field now.

8:57 PM DE Marquies Gunn is trying to make his presence felt with the second team 'D'. He used a nice little move to get around his blocker and then forced QB Mark Brunell's to throw the ball away. Pressley just joined the team a few days ago to replace rookie DT Demario Pressley who just got put on Injured Reserved.

9:06 PM Usama Young just broke up a Brunell pass. This guy is having a really good couple of days, and the coaches seemed to be impressed. He just needs to keep it up.

9:13 PM WR Skyler Green just blew right past CB Wale Dada to catch a long pass up the left side.

9:27 PM CB Dada just redeemed himself. He stepped in front of his receiver and batted down a pass from Brunell right in front of the pylon.

That's a wrap from tonight's practice. We'll have more after the presser.