McAllister will sit out first preseason game
 

McAllister will sit out first preseason game
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5840982

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Just because Deuce McAllister is practicing well and says he's ready to play doesn't mean new head coach Sean Payton is prepared to risk injuring a marquee player in the first preseason game.

McAllister was on the field Thursday for the Saints final practice before traveling to Nashville to face the Titans on Saturday night, but Payton said neither the veteran running back nor tight end Ernie Conwell (knee) will play.

"If we were playing in the regular season, they'd be set to go," Payton said. "But with the type of injury they've had, it gives me another week. We're better served waiting just one more week."

Payton would not say whether his plans for Reggie Bush had changed, adding that reserve running back Aaron Stecker could be used in McAllister's place.

"Well see. We might put he and Stecker in there," Payton said.

The coach said he would play Bush "about a quarter - maybe a little more." Payton also said he did not intend to have Bush returning kicks - at least not in the preseason opener.

"We'll see enough from him in the running game," Payton said.

McAllister tore his anterior cruciate ligament last October. He has looked strong in his recovery during training camp, even practicing more during double sessions that he had anticipated.

He also played a few series in the Saints' scrimmage last Saturday. Conwell had a knee operation to repair his posterior cruciate ligament. He also had wrist surgery.

"The nature of the injuries and where they're at rehab-wise, I'm excited about their recoveries and I think well wait to the Dallas week to start both of them," Payton said.

Quarterback Drew Brees also is recovering from offseason surgery. So far, he has come back strong from the operation to repair torn cartilage in his throwing shoulder and he is expected to play through most of the first quarter, Payton said.

Brees playing means Adrian McPherson and Jason Fife may not see any action.

Payton said he intends to play reserve quarterback Jamie Martin in the second quarter, followed by Todd Bouman "at some point in the third quarter."

"After that well see," Payton said. "It's hard to play more than three and get a good evaluation."

Meanwhile, Donte Stallworth, who has practiced the last two days coming off a strained groin, will dress for the game, but it was not clear Thursday night if he would play, Payton said.

Stallworth has been practicing as the third receiver behind Joe Horn and Devery Henderson.

RE: McAllister will sit out first preseason game
 

good. bush for spot duty only.