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.

Bush, who missed the final four games of the 2007 season with a partially torn posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, spent the early part of last year's offseason program working out in the Los Angeles area. But he'll certainly spend more time in New Orleans this year.

"He's planning on being involved in all of our offseason, which is encouraging and good," Payton said. "It's important for him, especially with running backs and the pounding they take, to be real diligent in the weight room."

At the same time, Payton said, it's a time of the year that's important for every player.

"I think our players understand the importance of this time of year," he said. "Our team in general understands the foundation you begin to put together starts in the off-season.

"It's not one single player," Payton added. "I think Reggie, as well as the rest of the guys, understand the significance of this time of the year and how it helps you as you move into the start of the season."

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