A year ago, Saints running back Reggie Bush spent most of the spring at home in California, rather than participating in the team’s off-season conditioning program.

But Saints coach Sean Payton says he’s expecting Bush to participate fully in team workouts this off-season.

“He’s planning on being involved in all of our off-season which is encouraging and good,” Payton said.  “It’s important for him, especially with running backs and the pounding they take to be real diligent in the weight room. . . .  I think Reggie as well as the rest of the guys understand the significance of this time of the year and how it helps you as you move into the start of the season.”

Although most off-season workouts are voluntary, Bush needs to be there.  A few highlight-reel runs aside, Bush has been a disappointment so far in his two-year NFL career.  If Bush were to follow up his 581-yard 2007 season by spending his off-season on his own in California, he’d likely face resentment from his teammates who were sweating together in New Orleans.