Just like that, Lynell Hamilton has torn his ACL in his right knee and he’s likely out for the entire 2010 campaign. Hamilton’s injury is the first major blow of the year for the Saints and it comes before their first preseason game. Hamilton was the heir apparent to Mike Bell this season as the Saints’ primary short yardage ball carrier and #3 tailback. Now, Chris Ivory and P.J. Hill will continue to compete for that spot instead of the #4 spot. It’s a given the Saints will also sign another veteran to compete with the youngsters. Don’t forget they brought in Ladell Betts for a visit just last week.
I thought it was a mistake to let Mike Bell go, and that decision is now being exposed big time by the injury to Lynell Hamilton. Now the depth behind Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas isn’t looking as good. We’ll have to hope those two can get through the season healthy, otherwise running back could quickly become a weakness for the Saints. With Hamilton obviously unavailable for the game against the Patriots, keep a close eye on Hill and Ivory, as their performance will be that much more important with the team in desperate need of a reliable third running back.
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