Pierre Thomas started over rookie Mark Ingram for the second straight game Saturday. Thomas has been effective when healthy and won't merely be tossed aside. Both backs played on the first drive of the game (as did Darren Sproles in the Reggie Bush role), and Ingram has received plenty of first-team reps in training camp. The carry split may be fairly even in September, though we suspect Ingram will earn more and more snaps over the course of the season. He's already the primary red-zone back.

Pierre Thomas (ankle surgery) is "running with some authority again," according to the Times-Picayune. Thomas is back to full strength, rushing four times for eight yards and adding a six-yard reception in the preseason opener. Although the Times-Picayune says Thomas will "be heavily involved in this offense," rookie Mark Ingram is the unquestioned bell cow on early downs already. The paper says Ingram is capable of 1,000 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, leaving Thomas with a complementary role.

Pierre Thomas (ankle surgery) passed his physical and ran well in Thursday's practice. The Saints have been tight-lipped about their backfield plans, so Thomas' role remains uncertain. He could enter the season in a timeshare with Mark Ingram, though the Saints' pursuit of Darren Sproles doesn't bode well for his value.

Sportsnola.com's Ken Trahan suspects Pierre Thomas' role will be "greatly curtailed" if Reggie Bush re-signs with the Saints. Add Trahan to the long list of writers who believe Mark Ingram will immediately take over as the feature back. Thomas could still play a significant passing-down role if Bush fails to restructure his contract. If Bush does return, Thomas will join Chris Ivory as little more than a "security policy" for Ingram.

The Saints are not shopping Pierre Thomas, two New Orleans coaches tell Len Pasquarelli. The Saints have first-rounder Mark Ingram in addition to Chris Ivory and possibly Reggie Bush. Still, they are well aware of how quickly running backs can land in the trainer's room. "He's here," said one coach of Thomas. "We've seen firsthand that you can't have enough (backs)."