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The Saints placed tailback Pierre Thomas and defensive end Akiem Hicks on injured reserve on Friday. To fill the open roster spots, club promoted rookie wide receiver Brandon Coleman and second-year linebacker Jerry Franklin from the practice squad.

The moves were disclosed in the league’s daily personnel report.

Neither Thomas nor Hicks were on the Week 17 injury report, but both have dealt ailments in recent weeks, with Thomas enduring rib/shoulder injuries and Hicks having an ankle injury.

The 30-year-old Thomas caught 45 passes for 378 yards and one TD in 11 games for New Orleans. He also rushed 46 times for 222 yards and a pair of scores.

Hicks, 25, started 14-of-15 games this season, notching 42 tackles and two sacks.

The 22-year-old Coleman played collegiately at Rutgers. At 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds, Coleman has excellent size for the position.

Franklin, 26, played in seven games for Kansas City earlier this season. The Arkansas product has made 20 regular season appearances, with the other 13 coming with Chicago in 2012 and 2013.

Saints place Pierre Thomas, Akiem Hicks on IR | ProFootballTalk

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