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Stallworth

He’s almost certain to play at Oakland and is set up for a big game.

He can’t catch balls out the JUGS machine at practice. While Stallworth’s year has been disappointing, he has managed to stay healthy for the first time in his career. He has already set a career high with 46 catches.

The third-year pro is finally making big plays. He’ll be ready for the Saints “playoff” game next week at Carolina.

It’s good to be skeptical about any news like this, but at least Stallworth has recognized he has trouble staying healthy. Coach Jim Haslett on the matter: “He’s starting to take care of his body and learning what it takes to be a pro. If he keeps it up, he’s going to have a big year.” Stallworth should start opposite Joe Horn.

He visited Cleveland Friday. Stallworth would help both times as a rotation receiver who could stretch the field.

Devery Henderson is working with the 1s.

He’s unlikely to play in the team’s preseason opener, but his sore groin has healed. Stallworth is currently running behind Devery Henderson on the depth chart.

Running as the team’s third receiver to start camp, Stallworth hasn’t learned the playbook. At one point Tuesday, coach Sean Payton yelled, “I need another X. I’m tired of looking at him.” Stallworth has time to regain the starting role, but 2006 sounds like more of the same for the consistently inconsistent wideout.

Stallworth was disciplined by the coaching staff on Saturday and when he returned, lined up with the second-team offense. He could still be feeling the effects from minor offseason shoulder surgery.

Coach Sean Payton addressed the situation by holding the late-arriving Stallworth out of practice. “He (Payton) made his message clear when he first got here,” Stallworth said, “and he doesn’t want things like that to occur.”