Saints report: Inside slant (1 Viewer)

[Dan in Lafayette]

The Sports Xchange / CBS Sportsline

The Saints officially kicked off preparations for the 2008 season last week with most of their 66 players under contract reporting for the start of a 12-week off-season program.

The early part of the program will consist of strength and conditioning work and classroom study. Eventually, the Saints will move into on-field coaching sessions in May leading up to the team's full-squad minicamp.

Saints coach Sean Payton welcomed his players back with a team meeting and later told reporters he was expecting virtually 100 percent participation this spring.

In addition to the players the team acquired via trade or free agency in the last month, Payton said veterans returning from injuries -- like running backs Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush and cornerback Mike McKenzie -- will be on hand. Full Story – CBS Sportslinehttp://www.sportsline.com/nfl/teams/report/NO/10737267