Aug. 9, 2008

 Though it was only a preseason game, we hear Robert Meachem’s four-catch, 129-yard performance, which included a 60-yard touchdown grab in the fourth quarter, is being viewed as a breakthrough moment for the Saints’ second-year receiver. Meachem, a first-round pick in 2007, stood on the sideline all of last season with a knee injury and was a major disappointment. The performance Aug. 7 against the Cardinals gives him some momentum in the race to become New Orleans’ No. 3 receiver.

 We hear Panthers rookie RB Jonathan Stewart is still being nagged by a sore right big toe, on which he had surgery in March. Stewart has been trying to work through the pain, but it’s not going away and he’s been limited in practice because of it. Sources in Carolina said, however, that this isn’t a case of the Panthers rushing their rookie back into the fold too quickly after an injury. Stewart has been impressive in drills thus far, so even if the pain continues into the season, there’s a good chance he’ll continue to play through it.

 Sources say the Falcons are on the lookout for a veteran cornerback to help add some experience to what could be a young, vulnerable secondary. However, the team does have a high regard for rookie CB Chevis Jackson, a third-round pick from LSU, and it would be pleased if he stepped up in the preseason games to prove he can handle a significant role as the No. 1 nickel back.

 Negotiations on a trade involving Bucs QB Chris Simms could heat up in the next few days if Simms has a good showing in the squad’s preseason game on Saturday. Simms wants out of Tampa, but the Bucs have not caved in to his demands yet and are taking a good look at him in practice to get a better sense of what he can offer after not having played in a regular-season game since early in the 2006 season.