biloxi-indian

McAllister expected to return
Saints miss his bruising running
By LARRY HOLDER
lholder@sunherald.com

Travel back to the New Orleans Saints' NFC divisional playoff game with Philadelphia nearly a year ago. Without running back Deuce McAllister charging through the Eagles at will, the Saints would not have advanced to the NFC Championship game.

The Saints running game hasn't been the same since, with or without McAllister.

Aaron Stecker recently brought life to the rushing attack when he ran for 195 yards and two touchdowns in the last two weeks. He'll likely be the guy again as the Saints battle the Eagles on Sunday with the hopes of staying alive in the NFC playoff picture.

Coach Sean Payton's playcalling pines for a healthy combo of McAllister and Reggie Bush in the backfield.

McAllister and Bush combined for 1,622 yards on the ground in 2006. The Saints have run for only 1,291 yards as a team this season and 12 touchdowns. McAllister alone scored 10 times a year ago.

"The first and second down run/play-action mix, those are the areas where you miss him," Payton said. "You miss him in the second half where the defense is tiring and he's still ascending.

"Those are the areas where you miss a back like him because he's a 20-plus carry guy that can play a lot of his best football in the second half of games, as you guys have seen. Those are the areas, in the locker room, in the offensive huddle - those are the things that you miss about a Deuce McAllister."

Do the Saints pine for a running back who turns 29 next week, will try to return next season from a second torn ACL in each knee in the last three seasons, and is scheduled to make $3.6 million in base salary next year?

From what Payton said this week, McAllister will return and it's realistic that the Saints tailback will be ready for training camp.

"There's always a business part to what we do, but it starts with 'Where does the player fit?' Those are decisions that we make in the offseason and some of them are easy and some of them are tough," Payton said. "In the conversations that (general manager) Mickey (Loomis) and I have had, our plans are for him to rehab, recover and play. Good backs like him are hard to come by.

"We're not talking about a running back who hasn't played well lately. He played at an extremely high level last year just one year removed from major surgery. He'll understand the challenges that he has in front of him and the hard work that he has in front of him and I anticipate him to answer that and to respond to that.

"There's nothing to indicate to me that he would ever do anything but rise up to that challenge. He's in the plans, for good reason."

Colston joins Bush on sideline - Wide receiver Marques Colston sat out Friday's practice with a sore back, joining Bush (knee) and tight end Eric Johnson (groin) on the sideline.

Johnson is doubtful, Bush is questionable and Colston is probable for Sunday's game in the Superdome against Philadelphia.

Bush's practice regimen has steadily decreased. He practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, only went through individual drills Thursday and did nothing Friday.

Stecker also missed practice for personal reasons, but should start Sunday.

Tight end L.J. Smith (knee) and guard Shawn Andrews (knee) won't play Sunday for the Eagles. Tight end Matt Schobel (concussion) was listed as doubtful on the team's injury report.

SunHerald.com : McAllister expected to return

Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over, over, and over again...and expecting a different outcome!

CheramieIII

If Deuce comes back so what. I agree with Missile, too many injuries and he'll only play what 6 or 7 games the whole season anyway. I love Deuce but it's time to get someone who can stand the beating for a full season.

biloxi-indian

Joey Galloway of the Bucs has had surgery on both legs (similar to Duece) along with minor nagging injuries and he is still productive albeit he is not a running back. I am not sure Duece is washed up, but he is 29, has had the surgeries (including microfracture this year), and does not have too many more years to be playing at such a high level.

I think I read where Loomis is "mum" on Duece's return, but Payton is going down the "party line".

As for the draft...I like Matt Forte (junior) from Tulane (in the later rounds) if he were to declare for the draft.

Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over, over, and over again...and expecting a different outcome!

papz

If he wants to come back, great... I'd love to have him back. Deuce makes Bush better... vice versa. Our offense becomes that much more explosive when both are on the field. However because of his injuries and salary, though we can easily afford it, I would think he would have to re-work his contract in order to stay.

biloxi-indian

I read where Forte was a junior but see he is actually a senior. I would think a second day choice would be great for the Saints.

iceshack149

Due to the nature of McAllister's injury I can't help myself from being skeptical of his return next year. I love the guy. I hope that he comes back and helps out at least a little bit. A little Deuce is better that what we've seen from the Saints this year.

As far as the running backs for the Saints as a unit is concerned, I pause at the idea of drafting a running back or even obtaining one through free agency when there are so many other areas of need for the team. I've seen promise from Thomas, Branch, and now Stecker and think that with Deuce back next year, this position is fine.

Running back is not even a top five concern for me. Give me defense or give me death.

"...it's good to have friends, no matter where they are."--JOESAM2002