Pierre Thomas takes Sproles-type role in Saints O

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With the of a powering and the upside Charlie Coyle Jersey  of bruising in the ' backfield, ' role has changed. Changed doesn't mean diminished. In against the , Thomas took over the former -role in the ' backfield. Thomas took 35 snaps in the opener compared to 32 combined for Ingram and Robinson. However, the majority of Thomas' snaps cam on pa sing downs -- he had just seven carries. "Last year, I did some of that when Sproles went down," said Thomas, . "They knew I was capable Chris Nilan Jersey  of that. I know the system being here longer (than most). I know what I'm doing out there. They know I have (good) hands. I sold that last year, so I'm stepping up the  Bernie Parent Jersey plate. So no matter what they throw at me, I'm stepping up to that challenge." Thomas ran 24 routes and was targeted seven times for 58 yards last week, per Pro Football Tuukka Rask Jersey  Focus. He rated as PFF's No. 1 receiving back in Week 1. While dynamic rookie will get the gadget plays Sproles used to run in New Orleans, after one week it seems clear and overwhelmingly trust Thomas the most as a pa s-catcher out  Michael Callahan Jersey of the backfield. Thomas might be listed third on the backfield depth chart this season, but the veteran's production in the multidimensional ' offense isn't plummeting. The latest recaps the - game and in Week 2.