METAIRIE ― When Saints fans first heard about the possibility of Deuce McAllister, Will Smith and Charles Grant being suspended for banned substances, they likely were shocked and upset.

They weren’t alone. In fact, they were joined by head coach Sean Payton.

David J. Phillip / Associated Press

Saints head coach Sean Payton would not get into specifics about the possible banned-substance related suspensions for three New Orleans players.

“Disappointment,” Payton said. “Probably the same reaction any fan would have or any of you guys would have. Just a little bit of surprise.

“Right now what you want to have happen is make sure all the correct facts are out.”

Those facts are still undisclosed other than that the players involved somehow ingested bumetanide, a substance the NFL has on its banned list because it is a masking agent.

Tuesday, during Payton’s regular post-game news conference, the head coach wouldn’t say anything more than already has been said.

"I said this the other day and I mean this – I’d like to give you guys more info but it really is a league policy, league-sensitive deal that I can’t comment on,” Payton said. “We’ll let the process take its course.”

Players were unavailable for comment.

As for a timetable to when the organization and players will know the final outcome of their appeals, Payton would divulge any information he knew.

“Without commenting on dates or specifics, there will be some point there will be a hearing and a decision made based on the league,” he said.

Of any team hit with so many possible suspensions at one time – three and possibly a fourth – the Saints might just be the club to survive.

Through the first eight games of 2008, New Orleans has been banged up almost weekly, missing at least one starter in every game except for the season opener.

Marques Colston, Jeremy Shockey, Reggie Bush, Randall Gay, Tracy Porter, Kevin Kaesviharn, Scott Fujita and Sedrick Ellis all have missed at least one game due to injury. Additionally, Jamar Nesbit missed four games because of suspension.

Not that anyone gives a flip about New Orleans’ injury and suspension situation.

“We understand that, really in this league, no one cares,” Payton said. “I don’t say that in a negative way. But no one wants to hear about your pains. The players know that.”

So, the possibility of losing McAllister, Smith and Grant will be something Payton has to deal with.

“The only thing I can control is our roster and team right now,” Payton said. “I don’t view it as being in limbo. I view it, really, and I mean this, week by week we look at our roster and say here we go.

“Let’s prepare to win a game with who is up and who is potentially inactive. All the other things take care of themselves.”

Bradley Handwerger can be reached at bhandwerger@wwltv.com or 504-529-6439.