Typically, the NFL announces suspensions early in the week so teams don't begin game-planning and practicing with players who won't be available.

The three Saints are facing possible four-game suspensions after testing positive for a banned diuretic this summer. But they all chose to appeal the decision, and they flew to New York for an appeals hearing last week.

According to a report by Fox Sports, the league won't make its decision until some time after briefs are filed on the players' behalf this Sunday. McAllister said Monday night that he could not confirm that report, though, and he didn't know the expected timetable. None of the players were available for comment Tuesday, which was the players' day off.

Their attorney, David Cornwell, did not return a call seeking comment, and Saints Coach Sean Payton was unable to offer any details.

"I've said this before: I'm really just like the rest of you guys in that we just continue to prepare (until we find out otherwise), and it's a league matter that we can't comment on, so we'll wait and see," Payton said.

According to several reports, the Saints' players are among a group of six or more league-wide who tested positive for the same banned diuretic, bumetanide, which can be used to mask steroids. The players contend the banned substance came from an over-the-counter weight-loss product called StarCaps, which advertises itself as all-natural, without any banned diuretics among the listed ingredients.

The league presumably will make its decision by next week so the four-game suspensions can be served before the end of the regular season. Otherwise, the issue could carry over into next year.

BUSH HOPEFUL: After missing the past four games with a left knee injury, Saints tailback Reggie Bush said, "I definitely feel like this is the week" for his return.

Of course, Bush has been optimistic for a few weeks now. But he has been inching closer to full strength with an increased workload in practice the past two weeks. He said he didn't experience any setbacks last week, but he was held out of the Saints' Monday night game against Green Bay as a precaution.

"You're just trying to make sure you're 100 percent before you get back out there on the field," said Bush, who tore the meniscus in his knee at Carolina on Oct. 19 and had surgery the next day.

"Hopefully, he practices more this week and we have him this week," Payton said.

Fullback Mike Karney, who has missed the past two games with a torn medial collateral knee ligament, said he plans to test his knee today, although his return is more questionable than Bush.

Payton said there were no new injuries to report after Monday's game. Guard Carl Nicks limped off the field late in the fourth quarter, but Payton said he had cramps and should be fine.

DEUCE'S MOMENT: McAllister sent the Superdome crowd into a frenzy Monday night when he scored the 54th touchdown of his career -- a franchise record -- on a 3-yard run in the third quarter.

There were cheers and chants of "Deeeeuuuuce!" and a standing ovation that lasted several minutes while teammates and coaches took turns congratulating him. Karney said the reaction reminded him of the Saints' unforgettable return to the Superdome in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina, when they beat the Atlanta Falcons on "Monday Night Football."

"That's what it sounded like, like a bomb went off," said Karney, who rushed out onto the field to congratulate his longtime teammate and close friend. "I was like 20 yards out on the field. I'm surprised I didn't get yelled at. I was out there with my hands up screaming and yelling. I had little tears in my eyes, gave him a big old hug and a kiss. I was proud of him, really proud of him. The guy deserves it. He deserves everything he gets."

McAllister scored on second-and-goal from the 3. Everyone was anticipating a McAllister touchdown on first-and-goal, including the Packers' defense, so quarterback Drew Brees checked off to a passing play. He threw incomplete to receiver Lance Moore, though, in a rare moment of miscommunication between the quarterback and receiver.

Asked if he threw the ball away on purpose, Brees laughed and said "no."

"I just think some things are meant to be," Brees said.

BREES HONORED: Brees was chosen NFC Offensive Player of the Week for the third time this season after throwing for 323 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions in the 51-29 victory. He also was NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September.

And once again, he is a candidate for the NFL's FedEx Air Player of the Week, which can be voted on by fans at NFL.com/fedex. The winner receives a $1,000 donation in his name to a local charity.

Payton said Brees' best play Monday night was his 70-yard touchdown pass to Marques Colston in the third quarter. Payton said the play was intended for Moore, but Brees saw Colston make a move to get open deep down the field. Most impressive was that Brees had been chased forward in the pocket by pressure from the edges, and he threw the ball on the run.

"The location and the velocity on the throw that allowed Marques to get the ball in his hands quickly without the safety getting over the top was what was impressive," Payton said. "You know, it was one of those 'funny body' throws that he does such a good job with.

UNFAMILIAR SURROUNDINGS: Payton said he was reminded of two things Monday night when defensive end Jeff Charleston knocked on his office door and asked him where he could find the training room. The first was how long it had been since the Saints last played in the Superdome (43 days). The second was how many new players have been added in that span to step in as injury replacements.

"It dawned on me that this was the first time he had ever been in the locker room," Payton said of Charleston, who joined the Saints in mid-October. "So to see those guys making the progress, guys like (kick returner) Courtney Roby and some of the new faces, to see them getting acclimated quickly has been encouraging."

Eight players on the Saints' 53-man roster made their home debuts in the Superdome on Monday.

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Mike Triplett can be reached at mtriplett@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3405.