The Facts: Deuce McAllister and Jeremy Shockey are among several projected regulars that HC Sean Payton has decided to keep out of the lineup when New Orleans plays its first preseason game at Arizona on Thursday. Wide receiver Devery Henderson will sit out as well, Payton said Monday.

Diehards Line:McAllister may have had his best day of practice on Monday since having reconstructive surgery on his left knee and microfracture surgery on his right knee after a season-ending left anterior cruciate ligament tear in 2007. McAllister participated in two practices in a single day for the first time since training camp began on July 24. Shockey is coming back from a broken left leg last December, and Payton has taken it easy on him since training camp began. ... Wide receiver Marques Colston, who has minor swelling in his left knee, may sit out as well on Thursday night, Payton said. “If it were the regular season, we’d probably push through it and he’d play, but we’ll see where he’s at,” Payton said.