Lynell Hamilton

Jeremy Shockey was one of eight players who did not practice Thursday as the New Orleans Saints got back to work for the first time this week. The others were safety Darren Sharper (knee), cornerback Randall Gay (foot), cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring), linebacker Jonathan Vilma (knee), defensive end Will Smith (groin), tailback Lynell Hamilton (ankle) and kick returner Courtney Roby (knee).

Offensive tackle Zach Strief (shoulder) was limited. Everyone else fully participated.

It's still too early to read much into the Saints' injury list, which is longer than usual. Coach Sean Payton said it's partly to give some extra rest to guys with the game still 10 days away.

"We're trying to look closely like we always do," Payton said. "I think a little bit is based off the fact that we backed off a few of these guys. We'll continue to rehab and get the treatment they need and progress here as we get closer."

Sharper and Vilma, in particular, have been getting some occasional days off late in the season to rest lingering knee soreness. Smith's injury doesn't appear to be serious, either. The other five players could remain questionable into next week, though.