METAIRIE, La. — Quarterback Drew Brees may have his fullest set of complements since Week 1 when the New Orleans Saints face off against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Running back Reggie Bush (knee), wide receiver Marques Colston (thumb) and tight end Jeremy Shockey (hernia) are listed as probable on the team's injury report as all three players practiced on a limited basis Friday.

Colston has missed the last five games with a torn ligament in his thumb, while Shockey sat out the last three games after the procedure. Colston was limited in practice all week leading up to the Oakland game, but the team decided to rest Colston one more week. Shockey was limited for one practice last Wednesday and sat out the rest of the Raiders week. He was limited for every practice this week.

"It's the first time I can sneeze without feeling like I'm getting stabbed at a bar ... . I live and learn," Shockey said. "Next time I have an injury, I'll be going to see my doctor."

Saints coach Sean Payton said with it being the first time back in several weeks for Colston and Shockey, finding an equilibrium between being on and off the field Sunday will be a priority.

"I'm looking forward just to seeing Jeremy block in the running game, just something as simple as that and what it does for you," Saints coach Sean Payton said. "I'm looking to seeing Marques, who you take for granted. The key word is balance early on in the first game back coming off about a month without playing. That's something we've got to be smart about."

Colston, who tore his thumb ligament in Week 1 against Tampa Bay, will wear a hard plastic splint covering the thumb and will cover the splint with a glove.

"It's just been really no issues with it at all," Colston said. "I got a lot of good work in this week. I feel comfortable and I know the guys around me feel comfortable with me being in there."

Bush hasn't missed any game time with his swollen knee. He did sit out the team's first two practices this week to try to diffuse the swelling.

Bush and Payton both said Friday they figure Bush can do everything on offense and special teams the Saints tailback typically participates in on gameday. Bush also said he looks forward to playing on grass the next couple of weeks.

"I always get injured on that field turf," Bush said. "That stuff is so hard on your body."

Payton said limiting Bush's practice time next week will depend on how much wear and tear Bush endures.

Guard Jahri Evans (ankle), cornerback Mike McKenzie (knee), safety Kevin Kaesviharn (back) and guard Carl Nicks (illness) also were limited Friday and deemed probable to play Sunday.

Defensive tackle Brian Young suffered a setback by missing practice as his arthritic knee flared up after Thursday's practice and is questionable. Payton said he thinks Young will be ready to play despite the swelling.

Defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis (knee) will be out. Cornerback Aaron Glenn (ankle) and defensive tackle Antwan Lake (groin) both are also questionable after going through limited work.

Another barb from Shockey — Earlier this week, Shockey cracked back at Giants quarterback Eli Manning for "moping" in trying to demonstrate Brees' enthusiasm.

Shockey took another shot at his former team when asked about consistently being on the sidelines with the Saints despite being injured. He also made a bold proclamation concerning the Saints' destination come February.

"This last year was handled very unprofessional for me how the Giants wouldn't even let me go to the Super Bowl," Shockey said. "That's the past. Sean and everyone here in this organization is firstclass and I think when we go to the Super Bowl this year, I'll be playing in it and not on the sidelines."