METAIRIE, La. (AP) — The absences of cornerback Marshon Lattimore and running back Alvin Kamara from the New Orleans Saints’ opening set of voluntary offseason practices had coach Dennis Allen toeing a fine line as he spoke about the two star players.

“Look, I’d always love 100% participation,” Allen said Tuesday. “I’m aware of why everybody that’s not here is not here — some of them personal reasons, some of them personal choice.

“When they get here, we’re going to welcome them with open arms,” Allen added.

Noting that Lattimore has been the subject of trade speculation “outside our building,” Allen said he recently had a “productive” talk with the club’s highest-paid defensive player and — for now — expects him to remain in a Saints uniform this upcoming season.

“I just felt like it was probably time that he and I had a conversation,” Allen said. “It was a positive conversation.”