What Pierre Thomas' Return Means for Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints Offense

It took some time, but New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram has finally found a way to take charge of the starting position and find success.

Over the last four weeks alone, the former University of Alabama star has rushed for 459 yards and three touchdowns. His 4.4 yards-per-carry average in that span shows an explosiveness and a consistency that Ingram hasn't always brought to the football field (4.2 career average).

While Ingram is finally showing signs of being a franchise-caliber runner, there is one aspect of the game where the former first-round pick is sorely lacking. 

He isn't that productive as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. He has just 18 receptions for 97 yards this season and 42 receptions over his career.

When one thinks recent Saints football and pass-catching running backs, thoughts inevitably turn to Darren Sproles. Though he only played three seasons in New Orleans, Sproles' ability to shred defenses in the Saints offense became a big part of the team's game plan.

It also made Sproles one of quarterback Drew Brees' favorite outlet receivers. With the Saints, Sproles averaged 77.3 receptions and 660.3 yards per season as a pass-catcher. Trading Sproles to the Philadelphia Eagles during the offseason left the Saints without one of their biggest playmakers—and Brees without one of his top targets.

This doesn't mean, however, that the Saints are completely devoid of pass-catching talent in the backfield. Eighth-year veteran Pierre Thomas is actually one of the best pass-catching backs in the entire NFL.

He is ranked fourth in the league among running backs by Pro Football Focus (subscription required) in receiving. He is averaging 4.3 receptions and 34 yards per contest as a pass-catcher.

The problem for New Orleans is that Thomas has missed the past four games with rib and shoulder injuries. 

The good news is that Thomas is listed as probable on the Saints' injury report and is expected to make his return against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night.

This is important because it means Brees will again have the services of one of the NFL's better receiving running backs—something he has lacked during the Saints' recent 2-2 stretch.

It is also worth noting that Thomas is tied for first in pass blocking efficiency by Pro Football Focus. Ingram is ranked 54th.

All of this means that the Saints should still stick with Ingram as their primary runner, but they will now have a superior option to turn to in passing situations. In a game that relies so heavily on matchups, Thomas' return should provide an enormous boost to a team looking to remain in the NFC South hunt.