New Orleans, LA (Best E Casino) - New Orleans star wide receiver Marques Colston and tight end Jeremy Shockey are close to returning to the playing field as each have not been officially ruled out for Sunday's home game against the Oakland Raiders.

Colston hasn't played since suffering a torn ligament in his left thumb in the season opener. The Hofstra product was limited this week but participated in all three practices for the week, and was catching passes with a brace and a splint. He is listed as questionable.

Shockey, who underwent sports hernia surgery after Week 3, was to miss three- to-six weeks with the injury but took limited reps on Wednesday before sitting out practice on Thursday and Friday. He is listed as doubtful.

Head coach Sean Payton was encouraged by what he saw from both players and told the team's website he was "optimistic" about getting his impact players back on the field soon.

Cornerback Aaron Glenn (ankle) and defensive tackles Sedrick Ellis (knee) and Antawn Lake (groin) have been ruled out. Ellis, the team's seventh overall selection in the 2008 draft, was making an early impact for the Saints but tore the meniscus in his right knee and underwent surgery last Friday. The rookie had started the first four games this season and totaled nine tackles and one sack.

Wide Receiver David Patten, who sat out last week's game with a groin injury, is listed as doubtful.