C.J. Spiller

ESPN beat writer Mike Triplett discusses the Saints' RB situation with Mark Ingram placed on season-ending injured reserve:

Veterans C.J. Spiller and Tim Hightower are next in line for the New Orleans Saints now that starting running back Mark Ingram has been placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. But it’s hard to get excited about either one of them in terms of fantasy football.

For one thing, I don't expect either guy to step into a No. 1 role like Ingram has had. But there will be a ton of snaps available.

I'd love to say this will finally provide Spiller an opportunity to play a big role with the Saints as a runner and receiver, which seemed like an exciting possibility back when he signed in March. But Spiller has barely played for the Saints, and not just because Ingram was in his way. The Saints could have used Spiller a lot more already, but his snaps have decreased as the season goes on. Spiller played only five snaps in last week’s 41-38 loss to the Panthers and has just four touches the past two weeks.

The only explanation coach Sean Payton has given is that the Saints prefer Ingram as a pass protector in passing situations. Spiller said he has never been given a specific reason, but he has never complained about his lack of touches.

Hightower, meanwhile, could replace Ingram in base packages as more of a first- and second-down type of runner -- perhaps getting some goal-line looks. So far, Hightower has just 48 yards on 12 carries since signing last month.

This is about what we're expecting. Spiller has more upside, but the team doesn't seem to trust him in pass protection, and that limits his snaps on passing downs (where he's most effective as a receiver). Hightower is a good pass protector so he may play more than people think.