Thursday's preseason opener for the New Orleans Saints isn't going to be what fans have waited for. You will not get your first look of all the injured players from last year that the Saints are banking on this season. No glimpse of what Shockey might bring to the table. As a matter of fact you'll see a number of starters and backups who'll be sitting out this one. Here's the list of guys not playing in tomorrows game.

Running back Deuce McAllister, cornerback Mike McKenzie, safety Josh Bullocks, linebacker Jonathan Vilma, receiver Marques Colston, tight end Jeremy Shockey, receiver Devery Henderson, cornerback Tracy Porter and defensive tackle Brian Young will all miss the game.

Not to worry though because it's all just a precautionary move by coach Shaun Payton. He expects each of these players to continue training camp in Jackson, Ms following this game.

What we will see and I'm excited about is first round pick Sedrick Ellis in action. Since arriving late to camp Ellis has picked up the defensive scheme real fast. Yesterday and even during the scrimmage game Saturday he's shown just how fast and strong he is. Callaborating on a few occassions with DE's Bobby McCray and Will Smith to stop runners behind the line and putting serious pressure on QB Drew Brees. It's safe to say this young man is highly impressive and will be very good for a long time to come.

During this whole offseason and training camp the main focus has been revamping the defense. Second year CB Usama Young has stood out big time during camp. Also CB Randall #### whom the Saints aquired via free agency has been very impressive also. #### will start along with Jason David but when the Saints move into the nickel defense you'll see #### slide over and Young to pull the duty of covering the wideout.

With a few starters sitting this one out, we'll get a good look at some other players who need to step it up during the last weeks of camp and these preseason games. WR/ST player Skyler Green needs to have a good game if he hopes to make this team. With Lance Moore ahead of him on the depth chart the only way he makes this team is by becoming a special teams player.

The battle for the WR spot is one to watch for in this game. Long time vet. David Patten isn't showing any signs of giving up his spot at all. His work ethic and veteran savvy have both contributed to this. However the battle for that #3 spot is what to look for. The play of second year WR and last years first round pick Robert Meachem and the young man from Michigan picked in the seventh round Adrian Arrington should be real interesting. Both should get plenty of playing time to show the coaches they want to be part of this team.

There are some other players to watch also. Like RB Pierre Thomas and Aaron Stecker. One of these guys needs to step it up because if Deuce can't make it through the season we'll need them to be that pounding runner to compliment Reggie Bush. Bush is another player to keep your eye on as he has high expectations for himself this season. His ultimate goal for himself is to have 1,000 yds receiving and 1,000 yds rushing. That's a tall task but there are only a few players in this league who can accomplish that and Bush certainly has the talent to do so. It'll be interesting to see how he adjust now that he should have a very good grasp of the offense.

So come thursday evening on ESPN we'll get our first look at the hopefully new and improved Saints. One that certainly needs to rebound from a very dismal season in 2007. I have faith in this team and believe that a lot of holes have been filled. Now let's see how it all transpires on the field of play this season. I'm praying for another miracle season...how 'bout you?