McAllister does not play vs. T.B.

• Advocate staff report
• Published: Sep 8, 2008 - UPDATED: 6:30 a.m.

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NEW ORLEANS — Running back Deuce McAllister did not play for the Saints in their 24-20 victory against Tampa Bay on Sunday in the Superdome even though he was healthy, active, and in uniform.

Coach Sean Payton said the plan was to use Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush at halfback and continue to ease back McAllister, who is coming off major surgery on both knees. But McAllister was activated because the team’s other halfback, Aaron Stecker, was sidelined by a hamstring injury.

“Obviously you want to get in, but they’ve got to call your number before you can get in,” McAllister said. “Whenever they call my number I’ll be ready.”

The Saints inactives were CB Mike McKenzie, who’s also coming off knee surgery; WR Robert Meachem, who was a healthy inactive after being inactive for all 16 games during his injury-plagued rookie season last year; DT Hollis Thomas (torn triceps), Stecker, CB Usama Young (hamstring), LB Mark Simoneau (back), LB Troy Evans (ankle), and T Jermon Bushrod.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees completed 23-of-32 passes for 343 yards and three TDs. In the second half alone, he was 17-of-22 for 211 yards and two scores. He finished with a passer rating of 124.9.

With just under eight minutes left, Brees threw a swing pass to running Reggie Bush, who turned the toss into a 42-yard, game-winning TD. Bush caught the ball in stride, faked out strong safety Jermaine Phillips, and stiff-armed cornerback Phillip Buchanon before diving for the pylon in the corner of the end zone.

The Saints defense rose up and held the Bucs to just 2-of-12 for 17.0 percent in third-down conversions.

Among the Bucs’ inactives were former LSU wide receiver Michael Clayton (chest) and starting right guard Davin Joseph (foot). Former Saints running back Michael Bennett was a healthy inactive.