PT Out vs Panthers.
 

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on January 1, 2010 3:35 PM ET
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Sean Payton may treat Sunday's game in Carolina like a "must-win," but he'll have to win without his starting running back.

Pierre Thomas was ruled out because of bruised ribs, so Mike Bell and Reggie Bush will split the workload against the 25th-ranked rush defense.

We don't doubt that Drew Brees and other starters will play to win against the Panthers, but the team's cautious treatment of Thomas is an admission this really isn't a must win for the Saints. Lance Moore (ankle) and safety Usama Young (groin) are also out.

Meanwhile, cornerback Jabari Greer is listed as probable and should play for the first time since sports hernia surgery earlier this month.

Five players are questionable: Sedrick Ellis (knee), Jeremy Shockey (toe), Bobby McCray (back), Jonathan Vilma (knee) and Darren Sharper (knee).

Re: PT Out vs Panthers.
 

Whether you agree with sitting PT and possible others there's no denying Payton has gone back on his words of this being a "must win" to re-gain momentum.

Had Min won I think he would have stuck to his words. But according to him it was about gaining momentum and not anything else. That has proven to be a false statement. If you have a must win game you don't sit your best RB with bruised ribs. Also don't look for Shockey to play. Just my assumption.

Re: PT Out vs Panthers.
 

I really don't care about going back on his words. Just sit who needs to sit and still play to win.

Re: PT Out vs Panthers.
 

dont play pierre. dont play shockey. dont play jabari. rest those guys for the playoffs. i still see this game as a must-win, simply because carolina is playing playoff-caliber football right now and we need momentum going into the playoffs. we need that swagger back. nothing like a loss to the succcaneers to make a players jimmy limp!

Re: PT Out vs Panthers.
 

I think PT is hurting - so rest him

Re: PT Out vs Panthers.
 

Momentum. Its all begins in two weeks a new season. That begins the momentum.

Re: PT Out vs Panthers.
 

I like the call to sit PT23
I wanta see Reggie get some more touches for no reason other than he's just fun to watch.

Re: PT Out vs Panthers.
 

I think at this point, the priority has to be shifted on getting these guys healed up for the playoffs. Forget this game, just play the key starters just long enough to keep the rust off. As for guys like Brees, I say two series and out. Two series of lots of handing off to the running backs and a few very quick throws.

Re: PT Out vs Panthers.
 

All season long, Payton has been resting players who were not 100%, including the RB's. This is not a change from what we've seen all year.

Re: PT Out vs Panthers.
 

PT has been the most consistent RB on the team. He'll have basically three weeks to get healthy after going out in the 2nd half. Good move in my opinion. As far as sitting Greer? I think that he should play. Maybe not all game, but get him some reps under him so he can get his stamina up game legs back under him. If anyone else is questionable, sit 'em.