Saints Concerned With Running Back Production, Depth

After Reggie Bush went down with a fractured fibula in Week 2, many figured Pierre Thomas would step in and take over the full load at running back.

However, in Week 3's 27-24 overtime loss to the Falcons, Thomas managed just 30 yards on nine carries and did not find the end zone. As a team, the Saints mustered just 43 rushing yards while allowing 202 to Michael Turner and the Falcons.

Thomas suffered an ankle injury in the fourth quarter, and although he did return, he remained ineffective and rendered the Saints offense one-dimensional, as they were much of the game.

Monday, head coach Sean Payton discussed depth at the position.

"You're always mindful to see where other players are at," said Payton. "There are a handful of teams that have lost running backs here in the start of the season, maybe a little bit more so than in normal years. There is nothing imminent, but we are paying attention to that position.

"Pierre (Thomas) got nicked-up yesterday, and that would certainly mean that we'll have to be on the ball with the depth there."

The Redskins waived running backs Willie Parker and Larry Johnson earlier this season, and while Johnson's career is likely over, the younger Parker could get a look from the Saints if Thomas and backup Chris Ivory, who had 13 yards on seven carries with a fumble last week, continue to struggle.

"(Ivory) is a rookie," said Payton. "He's going to have to give us some good carries here as we get through this middle part of the stretch with Reggie (Bush) out. He's going to have to handle seven, eight, 10 carries a game, and handle the various situations. It's just back to work and preaching the fundamentals with him."

While Payton did not mention any players the Saints may consider signing or contacting, the running game could get a boost when the Panthers, who have allowed 111.3 rushing yards per game this season, come to town this Sunday for a 12 p.m. CDT kickoff.

This article can also be found at www.footballnewsnow.com.