Another One Bites the Dust

Courtney Roby was placed on IR today. Per the Times-Pic.

The Saints placed kickoff returner Courtney Roby on injured reserve, officially ending his season with the ankle injury he suffered in Sunday's victory over the Atlanta Falcons. They also waived cornerback David Pittman to trim their roster down to 53 players.

The Saints had been carrying two extra players thanks to a league exemption after Will Smith and Deuce McAllister were allowed to return to the roster on Friday.

Aside from Roby's injury, he Saints are fairly healthy heading into their quick turnaround before Thursday night's game at Chicago. Coach Sean Payton said he hopes left tackle Jammal Brown will be able to bounce back from a sprained ankle and that cornerback Randall Gay will be able to return after suffering a concussion.

Payton said the team will be cautious with Gay but that the follow-up tests on his condition Monday were promising.

With Roby out, the Saints might use Pierre Thomas as a full-time kickoff returner, even though he has become a centerpiece of their offense. Payton said this time of year, it becomes more common for teams to use their starters on special teams when necessary.

Offensive coordinator/line coach Doug Marrone flew to Syracuse after the game Sunday to formally interview for the head coaching job at his alma mater, Syracuse. Based on reports out of the Syracuse area, the school is still considering several candidates and Marrone is not thought to be on the top of the list. But clearly the school was impressed by Marrone after feeling him out in a phone interview last week.

Don't expect a ruling early this week in the case of the Saints' suspended players. According to Judge Paul Magnuson's clerk in St. Paul, Minn., the judge began a trial Monday and can't be expected to rule on the suspension issues until Friday, at the earliest.