Thomas, Bell and Bush: Saints RB Situation Hard to Decipher

The Saints’ running back situation is a fantasy dilemma of monumental proportions. The latest news from Coach Payton is about as clear as a Louisiana bayou:

All this means is that everyone of the Saints’ running backs has value, but how much? Right now, Bell will be the power back and should get looks around the end zone, and the Saints are often around the end zone! Does this mean Thomas loses value, yes, but if he can get healthy he still will be the most dynamic player in the Saints’ backfield.

Pierre Thomas has already been ruled out and now there are reports that Reggie Bush is ailing as well. That could mean a lot of touches for Mike Bell. With the Lions coming to town, Bell could be an excellent addition for owners looking to get a burst from their running game to start the season.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton declares Pierre Thomas out for this weekend’s tilt against the Detroit Lions. As we’ve said below, Mike Bell might be a good week one add for anybody looking for another useful RB.

12 Step Drop has the Pierre Thomas’ twitter in which he says that he is ready to go for Week 1 and is just waiting on the Saints to approve it.

With the update from last night, we really aren’t sure what to expect out of the Saints but all indications point to the fact that Thomas may get some playing time although he probably won’t start.

This is the time of the year when the injury report begins to get a bit...suspicious. Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Times-Picayune tells us:

Pierre Thomas & S.Payton are trying to sell us that Thomas will practice Thurs & potentially play on Sun. Call me skeptical. Not buyin’ it. You shouldn’t buy it either. Payton is playing mind games with the Lions’ defensive staff (which, really, is cruel - the Lions have enough problems as it is). Thomas hasn’t practiced in two weeks and, unless he semi-miraculously makes his way back to the practice field tomorrow, won’t be suiting up this Sunday. Bell remains a solid start.

If a sprained MCL wasn’t bad enough news for PT Cruiser owners, now it looks like someone slashed the tires! Thomas received stitches for a laceration sustained in some kind of rogue fence attack.

It’s not looking good for week one:

Pierre Thomas sprained the MCL in his right leg two weeks ago, and now he might not be ready for week 1 against the defenseless Lions.

Thomas’ strong finish last year combined with Reggie Bush’s injury issues, had moved him from “sleeper” to high on fake footballers’ draft boards for a while now. The Saints dynamic offense has everyone mining for any Saint that might touch the ball.