New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas (23) moves against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
The Saints have promoted wide receiver Brandon Coleman and linebacker Jerry Franklin from their practice squad to the active roster; and in corresponding moves, they placed defensive lineman Akiem Hicks and running back Pierre Thomas on season-ending injured reserve, according to coach Sean Payton.
Hicks has a lingering ankle injury he played through the last game. Thomas left the Saints’ last game with hurt ribs.
Coleman spent preseason training camp with the Saints, and he had 50 receiving yards off five catches during the exhibition. But he was cut from the first 53-man roster the team turned into the league after Coleman struggled at times to make catches.
The undrafted rookie out of Rutgers — tall at 6-foot-6 and slim at 225 pounds — has been one of the 10 players on the Saints’ practice squad since.
Payton said Coleman had shown promise at training camp and on the practice squad.
He will join a wide receiver corps for the Saints (6-9) heading into the season finale at Tampa Bay (2-13) composed of Marques Colston, Kenny Stills, Robert Meachem, Jalen Saunders and Seantavius Jones.
Franklin was signed to the practice squad in November.
In his third season with the Saints and in the NFL, Hicks had 42 tackles (27 solo) and two sacks.
In his eighth season with the Saints and in the NFL, Thomas caught 45 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns and rushed 45 times for 378 yards and a TD.
Thomas and Hicks are the 11th and 12th players to land on the Saints’ injured reserve this season. Payton said he didn’t know whether either Thomas or Hicks needed surgery.
But Payton did say he didn’t think Thomas would need surgery.
The Saints signed one player to the practice squad: center Michael Brewster, who has played for Jacksonville and spent time with Miami.
Aside from Brewster, the Saints practice squad is made up of quarterback Ryan Griffin, kicker Dustin Hopkins, running back Edwin Baker, fullback Toben Opurum, guard Andrew Miller, tackle Tavon Rooks, tight end Orson Charles and wide receiver Willie Snead.
One spot on the practice squad is open.