As the Saints prepare to wrap up a dismal season they'd rather forget, the team placed running back Pierre Thomas and defensive end Akiem Hicks on injured reserve ahead of the season finale against the Tampa Bay Bucs.
The Saints signed wide receiver Brandon Coleman and linebacker Jerry Franklin from the practice squad to take their place.
"This was, knowing Pierre and Akiem were not going to be able to play in this game," head coach Sean Payton said. "It's really a way to secure and put two younger guys on contract and bring them up. I don't anticipate those two players playing."
Thomas, an undrafted free agent who made the team in 2007 after General Manager Mickey Loomis decided to keep him over 4th round draft pick Antonio Pittman, has been a consistent workhorse for the Black and Gold during his tenure. Many have speculated about whether Thomas will be back next season. The 30-year-old has been plagued by rib and shoulder injuries this season.
Hicks is a 3rd round draft pick from 2012 out of the University of Regina. He's been battling an ankle injury.
Payton declined to reveal whether either player would need surgery.
"I don't know that there will be surgery necessary, we will wait and see," Payton said. "I don't know in the case of Pierre that there would be, certainly they'll be in offseason rehab. It allowed us to secure two other players though."
Coleman is fighting for a spot in the Saints' organization next season. The 22-year-old Rutgers product sports a big catching radius. At 6'6" the Saints like the potential Coleman presents and are eager to see more of what he can do.
"When he came here, he was recovering from a leg injury so the early rookie camps, he was probably not quite 100%," Payton said. "But he and Seantavius Jones have really been impressive. Training camp, this whole season on the practice squad, and everything they're doing, they've been real good. He's got size, he's tough."
This upcoming offseason, the Saints will continue the rebuilding project that started this past offseason, mainly defensively. Payton is clearly ready to start grooming the next offensive generation as well and believes he has at least a few key building blocks in place.
"I like the work ethic of this group. It's a good group of young receivers when you look at Coleman, Seantavius and then (Brandin) Cooks," Payton said. "There are a few of those guys. But I'd say Coleman has been consistent and done a real good job of picking things up."
Heading into Week 17, the Bucs stand to snag the first pick of the draft if they lose to the Saints. Meanwhile, a New Orleans loss likely means the Saints lock up the 10th pick.
