The New Orleans Saints doubled down on running backs in free agency, re-signing Mark Ingram then adding C.J. Spiller from the Buffalo Bills. Throw in talented backup Khiry Robinson, and the position is as loaded as it has ever been in New Orleans.
Who else could make the roster? Here's a look as I continue to break down the Saints' position battles leading up to the start of training camp. Players report to The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia on July 29, with the first practice July 30.
Position: Running back
53-man roster projection: Mark Ingram, C.J. Spiller, Khiry Robinson, Marcus Murphy
Missing the cut: Tim Hightower, Edwin Baker
Analysis: There's no question about job security up top. The only question is how the Saints will divide the workload between their three talented running backs. I took my best crack at projecting their touches earlier this year, based on the Saints' history at the position under coach Sean Payton. I see Ingram as the leading runner, with a good chance at 1,000 yards, while Spiller could catch 60-plus passes for the first time in his career and gain more than 1,000 combined rushing and receiving yards.
Robinson's touches will likely be limited. But as he proved last season when Ingram suffered a hand injury, he's more than capable of stepping up when needed.
I hate to cut Hightower since his comeback story is so compelling. The former Arizona Cardinals and Washington Redskins standout is attempting to crack a roster for the first time since 2011 now that he's finally fully healed from a knee injury that was complicated by an undetected infection.
Hightower could definitely step up into a bigger role if one of the Saints' veterans goes down with injury. But for now, I went with rookie Murphy because of his ability to help on special teams. The Saints targeted Murphy as a kick returner before drafting him in the seventh round. He'll have to beat out incumbent Jalen Saunders in that role, among others.
