Colston out of practice

• By SHELDON MICKLES
• Advocate sportswriter
• Published: Jul 24, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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JACKSON, Miss. — After signing a three-year contract extension on Wednesday, the last thing New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston wanted to do was start training camp on a stationary bike.

But Colston watched the first practice after he received an injection and had fluid drained from his surgically-repaired left knee.

“We kept him out because he had some inflammation and they gave him an injection which was a lubricant that needs 24 hours to calm down,” coach Sean Payton said. “He’s been running lately and his weight is down, so he had some swelling. That’s just something we have to monitor.”

Colston, however, was on the field for the afternoon practice.

“It’s pretty much precautionary stuff,” Colston said. “It’s a long season, so the training staff felt like it was best for me to ease in and get started on the right foot instead of setting myself back from Day One.”

While he wasn’t happy about watching the first practice, Colston was excited about his new contract. He had one year left on his rookie deal, but the Saints rewarded him after catching 168 passes and 19 touchdowns in his first two seasons.

“I was hoping it wouldn’t be an issue (during camp),” he said. “The Saints were gracious enough to look at my situation and reward me for the things I’ve done. I’m very appreciative and ready to get this season started.”

Running back Deuce McAllister put the pads on Thursday morning for the first time since he underwent double-knee surgery in late September.

McAllister tore the ACL in his left knee in Week 3 and had microfracture surgery on his right knee at the same time. As a result, he’ll be limited for the early stages of camp.

“I was pleased with his conditioning level and shape he came in,” Payton said of McAllister, who checked in at 227 pounds. “The further we go we’ll see more and more, but he handled the reps pretty well this morning.”

“Deuce looks great,” said quarterback Drew Brees. “He looks as good as I’ve ever seen him. I think he’s down to his senior year weight in college, and he looks awesome.”