Saints TE Shockey's season is over

Dec 26, 2008 - 10:18 PM NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- Jeremy Shockey's first season with the New Orleans Saints will end the same way his time with the New York Giants did.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported Friday that the Saints tight end has been ruled out for this week's season finale against the Carolina Panthers, ending an injury-plagued and unproductive year in New Orleans.

Shockey, who missed practice all week with a sprained right ankle, finished with 50 catches for 483 yards in 12 games. The seven-year veteran was hampered by injuries all season and did not score a touchdown for the first time in his career.

The outspoken Shockey's previous career-worst total for touchdowns came last season when he caught 57 passes for 619 yards and three scores for New York before suffering a broken leg in Week 15 and missing the Giants' Super Bowl run.

The Saints acquired Shockey in the offseason for a second- and fifth-round pick in the 2009 draft after he wore out his welcome with the Giants.

New Orleans hoped Shockey would be the top-tier tight end it has been yearning for, but he never got on the same page with Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees.

Billy Miller, who has 42 catches for 523 yards and one TD, will start against Carolina (11-4). The Saints (8-7) have been eliminated from playoff contention.