| Good morning, and welcome to the August 2 edition of the Saints Insider newsletter. The historic heat finally got the best of the Saints, who announced Tuesday they will alter their remaining practice schedule at training camp for safety reasons. The Saints will now spend the second half of their two-plus-hour practices in the team's indoor training facility to beat the heat. I think I speak for the entire media corps in saying... thank you! Mike T meets the mediaMichael Thomas admits he isn't there, but the Saints star receiver told local reporters Tuesday he is "trending in the right direction." Thomas spoke to reporters for the first time since the start of training camp and was candid and expansive about where his game is after three injury-riddled seasons. Columnist Rod Walker has the story. Big day for the tight endsThe tight end group might be the most improved position on the roster. The unit displayed its talent and depth with a series of big plays during Tuesday's workout. Beat writer Luke Johnson has his daily practice observations. AK to NYAlvin Kamara is expected to fly to New York today for a face-to-face meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to tell his side of the story from the events outside of a Las Vegas nightclub last February. Kamara will probably face some sort of discipline from the league, but the team hopes an in-person visit might lessen some of the time he has to spend away from the team. We should hear from the star running back soon. He has yet to meet with the local media since camp started. And before we wrap up today's newsletter, a blast from the past ... On this date in Saints history...On Aug. 2, 1967, the Saints lost to Los Angeles Rams, 16-7, in Anaheim, Calif. in the franchise's first-ever preseason game. We'll have more news and analysis throughout the week at NOLA.com. Meantime, please try to stay safe -- and cool. Cheers, Jeff Duncan | 