Pierre Thomas said "there's going to be more focus this year on that ground game than any year" for the Saints.

"[Coach] Sean [Payton] talked about that when he came back," Thomas said. "He said we've got to get back to running the ball, having 100-yard games non-stop. I can't wait. I'm excited and I know everybody else is excited." Thomas looks to be the main beneficiary from Chris Ivory's trade to New York. A year after rushing for 562 yards and five touchdowns while checking in as fantasy's No. 27 running back, Thomas rushed for just 473 yards and one score in 2012. Mark Ingram will likely handle much of the early-down work.

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

Chris Ivory (hamstring) is probable, so look for New Orleans' backfield to be a three-man committee of Ivory, Mark Ingram, and "satellite back" Darren Sproles against Carolina. Thomas, 28, will finish the 2012 season with 827 total yards and two touchdowns. He'll be a late-round pick in 2013 fantasy drafts again.

Pierre Thomas (knee) sat out of Wednesday's practice.

Thomas' injury first popped up last Thursday, but didn't stop him from totaling 77 yards on 14 touches against the Cowboys. The "DNP" is a mild concern, but he'll likely be back on Thursday.