SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — On a night the Washington Nationals welcomed back slugger Bryce Harper, the team learned it will be without reliever Ryan Mattheus after he broke his hand punching a locker.NASHVILLE, Tenn. — NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The New Orleans Saints took no chances in their final preseason game, resting all starters in a 10-6 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night.
The Saints now prepare to return home to storm-ravaged Louisiana and put a scandal-ridden offseason behind them.
Saints interim coach Joe Vitt scratched 26 players, including starting quarterback Drew Brees and their top three running backs and wide receivers, ensuring the team will be on solid footing as he begins a suspension for the pay-for-injury scheme by New Orleans (2-3). Offensive line coach Aaron Kromer will lead the team into its Sept. 9 regular-season opener against the Washington Redskins.
New Orleans' backups largely outplayed the Titans (3-1) starters early in what was a meaningless game for just about everyone but new Tennessee starting quarterback Jake Locker.
