Sitting at 4-8 on the season, the New Orleans Saints are not having the year they were hoping for. Injuries are not helping their case as the team continues to be without certain stars on the field and it is only getting worse. With Mark Ingram now officially on injured reserve, the team might be relying on the passing game, but injuries to Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead could hinder that effort.
The Saints have confirmed that Ingram underwent successful shoulder surgery and will be on injured reserve, ending his season. That leaves New Orleans without their leading rusher who was having a much-improved season with the team. According to ESPN.com, the Saints are not likely to sign a free agent with four games left. Trent Richardson and Montee Ball highlight the players available. Instead, they will give CJ Spiller the start and Tim Hightower will play backup.
Head coach Sean Payton told the media that Spiller will have a significant role in the offense with Ingram out. The running back signed in the offseason, but has barely been used. Spiller has not been the threat New Orleans thought they were bringing on, but he told the media that he is ready for more time on the field.
"I think my skill set speaks for itself," Spiller said, via ESPN.com. "Obviously, they're always looking for guys to perform ... and that's kind of the mindset I try to have. Am I performing when called? Am I being effective on the field? And that's the only thing I try to think about from my standpoint. I think I have the speed, you could probably look at the Dallas game. I think I have the cutting ability. You could probably go to the Giants game. So I feel great. But I'm always trying to get faster."
With Spiller set to run the ground game with Hightower, the Saints now focus on who will be healthy in the receiving group. According to Mike Triplett of ESPN.com, Snead is back at practice on a limited basis after suffering a calf injury. He is expected to play on Sunday, but the capacity is unknown. The same can be said for Cooks who is dealing with a concussion. According to Triplett, Cooks practice on Friday after missing Thursday practice with a concussion, so it is unclear if he is ready to play or not in the game against Tampa Bay. If those two players are hindered in anyway, quarterback Drew Brees could struggle. Benjamin Watson and Brandon Coleman will be asked to step up and take over the offense.
