Impact Analysis: New Orleans Saints RBs

September 23, 2009 @ 00:00:00

By Shawn McClurg
Edited by Cory J. Bonini

The New Orleans Saints have a plethora of talent in the running back position; however, since 2006, the Saints have had to cross at least one running back off their starting roster due to injury. This year, two have fallen prey to the injury bug, causing confusion, consternation and disarray in fantasy leagues. In addition, the almost inhuman play of quarterback Drew Brees definitely limits their running backs opportunities.

Wunderkind University of Southern California product Reggie Bush dazzled us with his speed and elusiveness after entering the league in 2006. Bush scored a total of nine touchdowns and shot up to the top of many fantasy draft lists at the end of that year. Since then, Bush has been plagued by knee, ankle and shoulder injuries, having undergone two knee surgeries in the past year. He has totaled 1,842 total yards (985 rushing, 857 receiving) over the past two years and scored a total of 15 touchdowns.

PT for PT a concern

Last year, 2007 undrafted free agent Pierre Thomas (knee) was thrust into the starting role with injuries to both running backs Bush and free agent Deuce McAlister (retired). Thomas astounded fantasy owners everywhere, by averaging 4.8 yards per carry while garnering career highs with 625 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns, 284 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. Thomas has played in only one series this year (one reception for negative four yards) due to a medial collateral ligament injury sustained during the preseason.

Acquired last year, Mike Bell (knee) has been the starter for the first two games of the year due to the injury to Thomas' injury. Bell has performed well over the first two games, averaging 5.1 yards per carry and scoring one touchdown. Over the first two games this year, he has amassed 229 rushing yards and nine receiving yards. Unfortunately, Bell sustained a MCL injury in Sunday's contest against the Philadelphia Eagles and is scheduled to undergo further testing this week to determine the severity. He is not expected to play in Week 3.

Fantasy football outlook

The Saints probably are not going to have a solid No. 1 running back this year. Expect a rotation all season long, and each week the hot hand could be the primary ball carrier.

Head coach Sean Payton has said Bush will not be used an every down back in an effort to keep him healthy. Bush has been used sparingly this year with 17 carries for 47 total rushing yards, eight receptions for 97 yards and one receiving touchdown. He's also still being used as a punt returner and, for those you in leagues where you get points for return yardage, he could be a decent option.

In addition, Payton has also stated that Bell and Thomas will have to compete weekly for the starting role. Given Thomas being slowing worked back into game shape and Bell's injury, second-year tailback Lynell Hamilton is expected to receive a heavy workload in Week 3. He may be worth picking up in very deep leagues, but we can't envision a situation in which you would be playing him without taking a monumental risk. A bruising back, Hamilton should see the bulk of the goal line work.

Currently, considering the lack of information coming out about Thomas' injury and his expected playing time this week, he is not a viable fantasy option until he regains his form.

For Week 3, we are projecting Bush to be a quality No. 2 back in point-per-reception leagues (a weak No. 3 in non-PPR). Bell shouldn't be started even if he plays, and Thomas is at best a weak flex option. Hamilton is a flier in very deep leagues that emphasize scoring.

KFFLians are saying....

Comment

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1

bryan, at 08:49 on 10/03/09, says: hrmmm...how'd that week 3 prediction pan out for thomas???

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Shawn McClurg
Shawn McClurg has been a KFFL contributor since 2005.

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