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Saints running back Deuce McAllister and defensive end Will Smith were among the positive tests, according to FOX's Josina Anderson.

"There are about six to ten overall positive tests. Three to four of them are from the Saints organization alone including McAllister and Smith," the source told her.

The NFL would not comment on the report, but attorney David Cornwell told The Associated Press he has been hired to handle the appeals of a number of players who are facing possible suspensions.

Cornwell declined to identify any of his clients or say how many there were.

"These men are entitled to confidentiality and entitled to go through appeal process, so the (Fox 31) report ... is completely unfair," Cornwell said. "The cornerstone of any workplace testing program, especially one in professional sports with high-profile people, is confidentiality."

"The recent reports about pending appeals by players who are alleged to have used weight loss supplements reflect the most egregious violation of the NFL steroid policy. The foundation of the policy is both a player's right to appeal and an absolute right to confidentiality. By leaking this story, the 'source' is clearly attempting to put their thumb on the scale of justice and harm these men."

Saints spokesman Greg Bensel, who was with the team in London, said drug testing was a league matter and the team would have no immediate comment.

According to the NFL's policy, the first positive test results in a four-game suspension.

McAllister and Smith are in a group of players that have tested positive for Bumetanide, according the FOX 31 report, a diuretic frequently used for weight loss, but also for masking the use of steroids or other drugs.

"Most of them tested positive for Bumetanide. The last few tested positive for another substance that works similarly," said Anderson's source.

Dr. Norman Smith explained to FOX 31 Sports how it would work.

"Bumetanide makes you excrete a lot of salt and water. It dilutes the urine and makes it very difficult to test for illegal substances. There are some patients who use or abuse it where weight is critical," Dr. Smith said.

A highly-placed league source maintains weight loss was the goal. "It seems to be clear that most of these players were doing it to cut weight."

"I know that a few of these players have had weight issues."

The source suggested some players may not even know Bumetanide is a banned substance in the NFL.

In August, New York Jets running back Jesse Chatman was suspended for four games for violating the league's drug policy. He said he tested for a diuretic — "something I never even heard of" — that could be used as a masking agent.

All of the players who tested positive are subject to suspension, though they can appeal. Under the NFL's steroid policy, a first positive test results in a four-game suspension.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.