Pierre Thomas Week 14 Injury Update: Saints RB Practices in Full Wednesday

by Ray Glier

Filed under: Saints, NFC South, NFL Injuries

The New Orleans Saints (9-3) placed veteran running back Ladell Betts on injured reserve, but it looks like the defending champions will need some roster room in the backfield this week against the Rams. Pierre Thomas should be back because he was a full participant in practice on Wednesday.

"I think he is going to play," Payton told The New Orleans Times-Picayune. "I do. What I don't want to do is say he is playing next Sunday and then not be right if it doesn't feel well this week. But I would say based on the way he practiced last week that there is a lot of optimism he will be involved in this plan."

Thomas injured his ankle in a Week 3 overtime loss to Atlanta (10-2). It was a high ankle sprain that was bothersome and put the New Orleans run game practically on the shelf. Reggie Bush was also injured and the club tried to sew together a running attack with Betts and rookie Chris Ivory.

It was also a contentious few weeks with Thomas as a report got out on the airwaves that the Saints were unhappy with his commitment to getting back on the field. Coach Sean Payton tried to downplay the report, but he did not deny the accuracy of the report and Thomas' agent ended up getting involved with decrees to the local media.

Thomas has 46 carries for 147 yards and one touchdown. The Saints need him back for a playoff run.

"I know he's willing to play me if I'm ready," Thomas said.

Are they too one-dimensional? Absolutely. Teams had learned early in the season how to deal with the Saints in the red zone. New Orleans needs a run game to keep teams from stringing defenders all along the goal line.

Ivory has rushed for 254 yards the last three games, but it cannot be a safe bet to put a rookie on the field who has some issues with ball security. The ball can come out with Ivory who runs straight up and down. It is a testament to his power that he blows through gaps with that style.

Payton said Wednesday that Reggie Bush is getting his touches back up to speed, too. Bush missed eight games with a broken leg.

 

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