Drew Brees voiced criticism of Roger Goodell's unilateral powers on disciplinary issues.

Brees said he hopes the NFL's latest controversies will finally lead to a new disciplinary system that is fair, transparent and includes the NFL Players Association and independent experts instead of the "unilateral" system that has been in place with "no checks and balances."

"Too many times, I'd say especially over the last few years, a punishment's been handed down and nobody has really seen the evidence except for those in the league office - supposedly," Brees said. "So decisions were made in kind of a, 'Hey, trust us.' But did the public see any of the facts? Did the accused see any of the facts? In most cases, no."

The NFL had no checks and balances in the suspensions of Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis.

"That's why you have multiple parties to make sure everyone comes together, cooler heads prevail. The decision isn't just based on emotion at the time, which I can say I believe has happened in the past in regards to commissioner discipline. It's been based upon emotion as opposed to maybe the facts," Brees said. "And (a new disciplinary policy would) prevent that from ever happening again."

Mark Ingram is expected to miss at least one month with a broken hand he suffered Sunday, a source told ESPN.

Ingram had his hand/wrist area taped by trainers during the first half of Sunday's game but remained in the contest after that and continued to thrive. A source confirmed that Ingram suffered the injury in the first half. He finished with 11 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown, plus three catches for 21 yards.

The Saints are fortunate to have proven depth in their backfield, with Pierre Thomas, Khiry Robinson and Travaris Cadet still available.

Kenny Stills has been ruled out of the New Orleans Saints' opener at the Atlanta Falcons due to a lingering quad injury.

Stills was originally listed as questionable after being limited in practice this week. But he was downgraded when the Saints made their trip to Atlanta.

Stills suffered two setbacks qith the quad strain this summer.

Robert Meachem has re-signed with the New Orleans Saints four days after he was released.

Sean Payton said there was "no deal" in place to bring Meachem back. But he said the Saints' familiarity with Meachem obviously kept him in their plans as they continued to tweak their roster throughout the week, and they were fortunate he remained available.

Returning starter Kenny Stills' status is uncertain after he dealt with a nagging quad injury in the preseason. The Saints also have receivers Marques Colston, Brandin Cooks, Joe Morgan and Nick Toon at their disposal.

Junior Galette has signed a four-year, $41.5 million extension with the New Orleans Saints.

Galette will receive $23 million in guaranteed money.

Galette had 12 sacks last season and is considered one of the NFL's rising young linebackers.