Ex-Illini RB impressive with Saints

NEW ORLEANS -- Undrafted rookie Pierre Thomas may have played himself onto an NFL roster, even if it isn't with the New Orleans Saints.

The former Illinois running back rushed 16 times for 81 yards and a touchdown, had 2 catches for 47 yards and added a decent kickoff return to help the Saints beat the Miami Dolphins 7-0 on Thursday night in a preseason finale involving few starters.

The performance came one week after he rushed for 90 yards and 2 TDs on 11 carries at Kansas City.

"Hopefully I showed these coaches I can play here, I can play at this level," Thomas said. "Just coming in, I told myself this is one of my biggest games. ... I really wanted it so bad and hopefully my performance showed it."

The problem for Thomas is that he put himself in a difficult situation when he signed with New Orleans as a free agent.

The Saints' roster already includes star running backs Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister, along with veteran Aaron Stecker and rookie fourth-round draft pick Antonio Pittman out of Ohio State.

So even if Thomas does latch on with New Orleans, he stands little chance of being active from week to week unless he makes himself indispensable on special teams.

Pittman, meanwhile, rushed 21 times for 77 yards.