Saints sign two running backs
 

Saints sign two running backs
Posted by Mike Triplett, Times-Picayune staff writer December 26, 2007 1:53PM
Categories: Saints
With tailbacks Aaron Stecker (turf toe) and Reggie Bush (knee) both questionable for Sunday's game at Chicago, the Saints signed two running backs to fill their depleted backfield - fifth-year veteran Artose Pinner and first-year pro Chris Barclay.

Pinner has bounced around the league for a little while, playing for Detroit, Minnesota and Atlanta. He has 858 career rushing yards with eight touchdowns. Barclay appeared in four games with the Tennessee Titans earlier this year.

Both Stecker and Bush did not participate in the team portion of practice Wednesday. But Saints Coach Sean Payton didn't rule either of them out.

For now, it looks like undrafted rookie Pierre Thomas will carry the bulk of the Saints' rushing load against the Bears.

Re: Saints sign two running backs
 

Ok it is PT time. Lets see if he gets close to 20 carries and what he does with it. You can run on the Bears.

Re: Saints sign two running backs
 

Chris Barclay Grade: 2.91
Position: RB
Class: Sr
School: Wake Forest
Conference: Atlantic Coast
Ht., Wt.: 5-9, 175
40 Time: 4.55

Grading System

BIO: Moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore, then proceeded to win All-Conference honors the next three years. ACC Offensive Player of the Year as a senior after rushing numbers of 218/1,127/10. Junior totals were 243/1,014/9.

POSITIVES: Patient ball carrier with outstanding open-field running skills. Waits for blocks to develop, runs with good balance and cuts back against the grain, making defenders miss. Follows blocks anywhere on the field and works to finish runs.

NEGATIVES: Easily brought down to the turf and rarely picks up yardage off initial contact. Gives effort blocking but gets minimal results. Minimally productive as a pass catcher.

ANALYSIS: An elusive change-of-pace runner, Barclay would enhance any possibility he has of making an NFL roster by producing as a return specialist in the summer.

PROJECTION: Undrafted Free Agent

Barclay allocated to NFL Europa and then cut by Cleveland. Then was picked up by Tenn.
That about sums it up.

Re: Saints sign two running backs
 

PT looked so good in preseason that I really have high hopes for the kid. I hope he's been studying the playbook...

But the Bears are so awful we should win this game regardless. They have no offense whatsoever. Did you see them play the week before last? My God - bad. If they somehow manage to look good against our D, then that'll speak volumes...

Re: Saints sign two running backs
 

Let's hope these guys can take the Bears D by surprise with the lack of film on them.