New Orleans Saints

Saints running back by committee

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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After Tim Hightower’s big game against Seattle, it looks like the time for the Saints running back by committee to take over.

Saints sources have reported that the recent controversy over running backs Mark Ingram and Tim Hightower will be resolved, at least for now, by the Saints running back by committee approach.

That means that, against the San Francisco 49ers 32nd ranked run defense, Ingram and Hightower will likely split snaps. Daniel Lasco also looked to feature in the committee, but after injuring his hamstring in practice will not suit up for the game.

Many Saints fans are calling on Hightower to take over the lead back role entirely. Whether or not it’s the right call, I don’t think anyone expected Sean Payton to truly abandon Ingram. Payton tends to grow attached to certain players, coaches, and locker room presences, especially at RB.

Parenthetically, is there any more sympathetic position in the sport than RB? Just such an easy position to love.

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In the past, Payton’s employed the philosophy that it’s best to give each back their own full possession, rather than rotate heavily within a drive. I expect he will take a similar approach against the Niners. I wouldn’t even be surprised to see Hightower get the start.

Fantasy-wise, I’d say that both RB’s remain low-end RB-2 options. The Niners run defense is atrocious, but it’s so difficult to tell which player will emerge as the lead back for the game. If you’re desperate, stick with either one. They’ll both see the field.

But for what it’s worth, I think Ingram is the better back, and that it will show up on tape and on the stat sheet this Sunday.

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