Patriots, Saints to hold joint practices

The New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints will hold a pair of joint practices ahead of their Aug. 11 preseason game, the teams announced Thursday.

This marks the second consecutive year in which the two sides are opting to get together and take advantage of a growing trend around the league.

It also marks the second such arrangement for each team in this year's preseason schedule alone.

New England will work out with the Chicago Bears ahead of their Aug. 18 preseason matchup, while the Saints and Houston Texans will do the same in the days leading up to an Aug. 20 game.