Saints' Brees sits out scrimmage with sore abdomen; Cook shines


WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. -- Saints coach Sean Payton says Drew Brees was held out of Saturday's intra-squad scrimmage to rest a sore muscle on the left side of his abdomen.
The absence of New Orleans' star quarterback didn't stop rookie receiver Brandin Cooks from setting himself apart in the first scrimmage of training camp.
Cooks racked up more than 100 yards receiving on just a handful of receptions, highlighted by a twisting, falling catch of a deep pass from second-year reserve quarterback Ryan Griffin.
Later, Griffin found Cooks along the sideline, and the Saints' top draft pick stopped suddenly to elude a defender before sprinting about 30 yards to the end zone.
Also scoring touchdowns were tight end Jimmy Graham, and running backs Mark Ingram, Travaris Cadet and rookie Derrick Strozier.
