NFL | Former Oregon Duck Joey Harrington signs with Saints

NEW ORLEANS — The "piano man," Joey Harrington, has landed a new gig in the birthplace of jazz. He'll be playing third fiddle behind Saints starting quarterback Drew Brees and backup Mark Brunell, a former Husky.

The former Oregon Ducks quarterback signed with the Saints and participated in his first practice Friday, a day before the Saints were set to leave for Sunday's game at Denver.

"When I say it's going to be a great fit, I think it's in all areas," Harrington said. "You've got the weapons, so you're going to win some games. You've got a great coach who knows how to use them, and you've got two great quarterbacks here. ... That's the biggest thing for me now is just to take a step back, get my feet under me and learn the best that I can. See what it's like to be on a team that wins some games."

Harrington, a standout at Oregon also known for his talent as a pianist, has spent six seasons in the NFL since being drafted third overall by Detroit in 2002. He played for Miami in 2006 and for Atlanta last season.

"I've obviously had a few bumps along the way," Harrington said. "Some mistakes I made and some I couldn't control. They've all been learning situations. I think here it gives me the chance to learn from somebody who's done it well in Drew the last four or five years."

Notes

• Minnesota could be without Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson on Sunday. Peterson, the league's leading rusher with 263 yards, was limited in Friday's practice because of a hamstring injury and is questionable for the game against Carolina.

• LaDainian Tomlinson (toe) returned to practice in a limited role Friday and is listed as questionable for the San Diego Chargers' game against the New York Jets on Monday night.

• Although Jacksonville WR Jerry Porter (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Indianapolis, coach Jack Del Rio said he doesn't believe he'll play.

• Green Bay LB Nick Barnett said Friday he would appeal the second fine he received in as many weeks from the NFL. Barnett was fined $7,500 this week for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Detroit QB Jon Kitna. He also was fined $7,500 last week for a horse-collar tackle on Minnesota QB Tarvaris Jackson in the Packers' opener Sept. 8.

• Cleveland WR Braylon Edwards (shoulder) was limited in practice Friday and listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Baltimore.

• Tennessee WR Justin Gage missed his third consecutive practice with a groin injury on Friday and will be a game-time decision for Sunday's game with Houston. QB Vince Young, still nursing a sprained left knee, was declared out.

• Two-time Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews is doubtful for Philadelphia's game against Pittsburgh on Sunday because of back spasms.