Shockey Not at OTA

“The guys that aren’t here right now – there are two rookies that are in school, Malcolm Jenkins and Shawn Flanagan, the offensive lineman. Then we had two veterans – Darren Sharper and Jeremy Shockey – and I’ve talked with both. To say they were excused today wouldn’t be the right word because it’s not mandatory, but I did talk with both of those players and we’ll get them back in the fold here ASAP.”

Were their absences family-related?

“Yes. Just stuff they have to take care of at home.”

Drew Brees was asked how much has your connection with Jeremy Shockey grown with an offseason to have with him?

Drew Brees: We've made strides. Obviously the more time we have tougher on the field and in the classroom, film room and everything else, the better we're going to become together. I have a great relationship with so many guys on the team as to what we're able to do on the field together, them knowing where I'm going to be, where I'm expecting them to be. You just kind of understand it. You don't even have to speak it anymore, because it's almost muscle memory. I'm still getting to that point with Jeremy, but we'll be there by the time the season rolls around.

(neworleans.com)