Saints HC Sean Payton announced that they are placing RB Pierre Thomas and DL Akiem Hicks on season-ending injured reserve Friday.
New Orleans will add WR Brandon Coleman and LB Jerry Franklin to their active roster to fill the two open roster spots.
Thomas, 30, is dealing with a rib injury, so the Saints will move forward with Mark Ingram, Khiry Robinson and Travaris Cadet as their top-three running backs.
This season, Thomas appeared in 11 games for the Saints and ran for 222 yards on 45 carries (4.9 YPC) and added 45 receptions for 378 yards receiving and three total touchdowns.
He still has another year remaining on his contract, but the Saints are in a very tough situation, which could force them reconsider Thomas’ roster spot.
Hicks, 25, has one year remaining on his four-year, $2.65 million rookie contract and will make $660,000 in 2015.
His year comes to an end with him recording 42 tackles, two sacks, and two pass defenses over the course of 15 games. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 27 defensive tackle out of 80 qualifying players.
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