New Orleans @ Carolina

[alcstarheel]

New Orleans @ Carolina
Location: Bank of America Stadium
Time: 1:00 PM ET
TV: FOX

[ChosenOne]

Saints rule out Pierre Thomas versus Carolina

 

Pierre Thomas (ribs) has been ruled out for Week 17.

 

Reggie Bush will likely start against the Panthers, though Mike Bell is a better bet for carries and touchdowns. Thomas' ribs are only bruised, so he's likely just being sat for precautionary reasons. He shouldn't have trouble getting ready for the playoffs, especially with a first-round bye

 

New Orleans Times-Picayune

 

DeAngelo Williams is listed as doubtful again

 

DeAngelo Williams (doubtful, ankle) missed his third straight day of practice Friday.

 

Jonathan Stewart is on track to make his second straight start, and is a legitimate candidate for 30 carries against the Saints. The Panthers are likely game planning with a run-heavy mindset because Steve Smith (fractured arm) is done for the season. Stewart is also coming off a 222-yard game.

 

 

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Report: Brees will be the No. 3 QB on Sunday

 

Drew Brees will be the No. 3 quarterback on Sunday, coach Sean Payton told Peter King.

 

If true, this is a complete turnaround from what Payton said the Saints would do all week. It sounds like Payton got scared by the Panthers' hot pass rush. Mark Brunell now appears to be in line to start, with Chase Daniel backing him up. All Saints are suddenly risky options in leagues that extend into Week 17.

 

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Edited January 2, 2010 by ChosenOne

[Cobb]

I think Carolina has a pretty good shot at winning if Williams does play. New Orleans seems to be playing worse and worse as the weeks go by.