Saints HC Payton said he was optimistic that tight end Jeremy Shockey (toe), linebacker Scott Shanle (concussion) and cornerback Randall Gay (concussion) might all be able to return to action this week.
He said Shockey's injury isn't as severe as a typical turf toe, and he was almost activated on Sunday after working out before the game. But Payton said he didn't want to risk a setback.
Payton also said that the decision to keep Shanle and Gay on the sideline was made by outside doctors. Gay said he consulted with a neurologist, but Shanle said he didn't meet with a neurologist because he never came close to practicing or playing all week.
"My symptoms got a lot better as the week went on, but just the fact that I was still having any issues at all, we didn't want to push it," said Shanle, who said the plan is to increase his activity this week, then see how he responds.
Payton didn't offer any updates on cornerback Jabari Greer (sports hernia) or receiver Lance Moore (ankle).
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