After two running backs have missed the past three games hurt and a third left Sunday’s loss at home against San Francisco early with a concussion, the Saints on Wednesday signed a free agent at the position.
Brian Leonard
Brian Leonard — a seven-year NFL veteran — has joined the Saints, the player’s agent, Mike McCartney, announced via Twitter. Leonard spent four seasons (2009-2012) with the Cincinnati Bengals, who are 5-3-1 this year and visit the Saints this upcoming Sunday.
Leonard also played in St. Louis from 2007-2008 and in Tampa Bay last season, and he has 87 career regular-season appearances. He’s rushed 221 times for 828 yards, and he has caught 142 passes for 993 yards and a touchdown.
Also listed as a fullback, Leonard arrives after Saints running backs Khiry Robinson (forearm) and Pierre Thomas (ribs/shoulder) have missed the past three games hurt. Furthermore, Saints running back Edwin Baker left the 49ers game early after sustaining a concussion on a kickoff.
That meant the Saints finished last Sunday with three healthy players in the offensive backfield: running backs Mark Ingram and Travaris Cadet as well as fullback Erik Lorig.
Leonard can also contribute on special teams. He’s contributed a total of 28 special-teams tackles his last five seasons, and he forced a fumble in that phase of the game his lone year in Tampa Bay.
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis called Leonard a “well-rounded” player in a conference call with New Orleans media Wednesday.
“He’s a good team man that way,” Lewis said.
St. Louis selected Leonard out of Rutgers in the second round of the 2007 draft.