The Associated Press is reporting that the New Orleans Saints are looking healthier and more active as their Wednesday practice included full participation from starters Jeremy Shockey, Darren Sharper and Jonathan Vilma.

Each of these key Saints players have been bothered with knee problems, however they all played in the NFC Championship Game. Tight end Shockey, safety Sharper, and linebacker Vilma worked in all the key drills.

Only backup running back Lynell Hamilton had to watch the 2 1/2-hour workout yesterday with a walking boot protecting his left ankle.

"I think we're ahead of schedule with just about everything we're trying to get done," coach Sean Payton said. "Even the buses and everything are running on time or ahead of schedule."

Payton watched as his Saints worked mostly on base first-down and second-down situations. He said two-thirds of the offense was installed last week back home.

Cornerback Randall Gay had been bothered by a foot injury, but looked good as he intercepted two passes against the scout team.

Payton conducted a 30-minute walk-through with every unit, from special teams to specialized offensive formations. They worked several minutes on turnover drills, something usually seen in training camp.

"Well, we do that a lot during the season, too," Payton said. "But I'd like us to have a little of that training-camp mentality here."