Lynell

Hamilton

Fargas would be an older clone of restricted free agent Mike Bell, who the Eagles signed to an offer sheet on Tuesday. The visit is a sign that the Saints don’t think Lynell Hamilton can fill the bruising, clock chewing role. Clearly, they also don’t plan to match Bell’s offer from Philadelphia.

The Saints remain high on the 6'0/235 bruiser who spent all of last season on the practice squad. He’s battling undrafted rookies P.J. Hill and Herb Donaldson for a roster spot, with the slim possibility of filling Deuce McAllister’s old power role.

Pierre Thomas obviously has it at the moment. Perhaps Mike Bell will see action if Thomas struggles early in Sunday’s matchup with the Giants, but it’s not something for P.T. owners to worry about yet. Bell isn’t even a lock to dress for the game. Lynell Hamilton is more skilled on special teams.

Pierre Thomas (knee) practiced fully on Wednesday, but the Saints probably aren’t confident in his health yet. Hamilton, who went undrafted out of San Diego State in 2008, has zero career carries and a long history of serious leg injuries. He also averaged just 3.2 YPC on 15 preseason attempts. The Saints’ high-scoring offense makes him intriguing, but Hamilton wouldn’t be worth more than a flex position gamble against Buffalo.

This isn’t a good sign considering Thomas only played as a blocker on kickoffs and in one offensive series. He said he’s hoping to use a smaller brace this week and is feeling more comfortable. Still, he’s obviously not 100 percent and Lynell Hamilton is taking first-team reps. Thomas is a risky play for this week’s game at Buffalo.

Interestingly, the New Orleans Times-Picayune’s blog calls Mike Bell (MCL sprain) the “starter” (when healthy). That means Hamilton and Thomas, both “backups,” appear to be in a direct in-practice competition this week for early-down and goal-line carries at Buffalo. “The coaches went ahead and told me to be ready for the game,” said Hamilton. Hamilton is healthier than Thomas, but not as talented. We’ll keep a close eye on this situation all week.

We’ll know for sure Saturday. Hamilton is helped by special teams value, and has shown some power as a runner in preseason games. New Orleans may keep four runners because Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are dinged up.

“Pierre’s getting close, if not real close to 100%,” coach Sean Payton said, promisingly. Payton wouldn’t say how he’ll divide carries between Thomas, Reggie Bush and Lynell Hamilton. But when asked if Hamilton would take Thomas’ place in the offense Payton said, “I don’t think that’s accurate.” The situation is one to avoid Sunday, but monitor for Week 4 concerns. The more talented Thomas would be our pick if we had to choose one Sunday.

Payton stopped short of endorsing Hamilton as the starter, but he could rotate with Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush. We are tentatively expecting Thomas to start, with Hamilton pitching in as needed.

This will just about eliminate any chance Hamilton had of being a factor in the Saints’ plans. Mike Bell and P.J. Hill may be better bets to make the club.