Here are some key players that will not be playing in this week's preseason games:

- Steve Smith will not play against the Buffalo Bills due to a sore hamstring. However, he is getting better, and should be able to return to practice soon. Mike Minter will not play either.

- Hines Ward won't play due to a sore hamstring. Everyone knows Ward can play, so his absence will give more time for the rookie receivers like Santonio Holmes to shine.

- Deuce McAllister will not play against the Titans due to a knee injury. McAllister feels he is good enough to play, but head coach Sean Payton wants to be cautious. That means Reggie Bush will get some more playing time.

- Eric Parker will be out of action for a week due to a sprained thumb.

- Braylon Edwards and Willie McGinest did not play against the Philadelphia Eagles.

- Brian Westbrook did not play against the Cleveland Browns.