Saints sign 8 to practice squad

The Saints have signed eight players to their practice squad, including rookie safety Jerico Nelson, tight end Michael Higgins and receiver Andy Tanner.

Nelson grew up in suburban New Orleans and played at Arkansas.

The 6-foot-5, 242-pound Higgins spent part of 2011, his rookie season, on both the Saints' practice squad and active roster, appearing in two regular-season games and two playoff games.

Tanner has been in training camp with the Saints for all three of his pro seasons. He had eight catches for 120 yards in the 2012 preseason before injuring his left ankle.

The Saints' other practice squad players, announced Sunday, are defensive end Braylon Broughton, linebacker Ezra Butler, cornerback Nick Hixson and guards Ricky Henry and Harland Gunn.

The Saints claimed Gunn off waivers from Dallas.