Sir Psycho Sexy

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).

"May God have mercy on those who doubted his Saints."