Saints coach Sean Payton said that he expects more from tight end Jeremy Shockey this coming season. "I like the player, and I think he's going to be a key part of what we do this year," Payton said earlier this week. "We'll go from there. I think, in the end, it's always the proof is in the pudding anyway. For me, you just got to go with your gut on a decision like that." Shockey had 50 catches for 483 yards and no touchdowns in 2008, a season in which he was still recovering from a broken leg. "Last year, he was really hampered and he still managed (50) catches," Payton said. "I think he's healthy now. I see him after practice today with Drew Brees, after everyone is off the field, and the two of them are just working on routes. He's a very, very hard worker. He's going to be just fine. "He's in great shape right now. I'm anxious to see him play this year. Certainly, there are a lot of eyes on him because he was traded here, and we gave up something to acquire the player. More than that, he is one of those guys who has had a pretty well-documented career. He came out of the University of Miami; he's had success in New York, and sure he's had his critics."

Saints coach Sean Payton says that the team will not sign a linebacker to replace the recently-retired Dan Morgan. "Barring something unforeseen arising, I don't think so," Payton said on Tuesday. The coach added that he had yet to speak with Morgan, who is retiring for the second time in as many offseasons. "I've just played some phone tag with him and that has been about it," he said.

Linebacker Dan Morgan has retired for the second time, and his agent says that his decision is final this time around. "Dan Morgan has informed the Saints that he has decided to retire due [to] continued injuries," agent Drew Rosenhaus wrote on his Twitter account. "Dan would like to thank the Saints for the chance to come back this year, but injuries would not let him continue his career. His decision [is] final and he will be moving on to focus on his restaurant business in Charlotte. Dan also wants to be able to spend more time with his wife and children." Morgan retired last spring, only a few months after signing with the Saints, and was attempting a comeback this spring.

Saints running back Reggie Bush is ahead of schedule in his return from knee surgery. He is expected to be 100 percent by the start of training camp next month. "I'm not trying to go out there and rip it up," Bush said. "But I am trying to get the feel back to cutting and all that stuff." Bush participated in three of the team's five practices this past weekend. "I think he's found his niche," Saints coach Sean Payton said of Bush. "He's been really explosive for us as a returner and as a runner and a receiver; he's been a big part to us running the football. Prior to his injury last year, he was having a great year. Certainly, I think we have a good role for him, and he feels very comfortable with what we're doing."

Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey plans to attend the team's final eight voluntary workouts. Shockey did not attend the first four of the team's voluntary offseason practices, and was treated for dehydration after being found unconscious at a pool party in Las Vegas two weeks ago. "If you're halfway intelligent you can read what everybody wrote," Shockey said. "You know what they say, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. That's in the past. I'm looking forward to the future."