Where is Chris Ivory?
I get that question all the time. I talked to the Saints running back this week, and he told me, "I'm frustrated (by the lack of playing time)". Ivory has been inactive for all but one game this season, while the Saints running game has struggled for consistency and effectiveness. Ivory was quick to point out the trade deadline is coming up at the end of the month.
I asked him if he would request a trade and he responded, "No comment." Ivory went on to say, "At this point in the season I do feel like I should be on the field."
He's says there has been no communication between him and the Saints coaches about why he's not on the field. "Deep down, yes I'm frustrated. It's a little frustrating to just sit back. I feel like my worth is more than that." Ivory also said he plans to talk to the organization this week or next about his playing time.
Stay tuned, I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints trade Ivory. For what it's worth, Ivory isn't the savior in the running game, but he sure breaks a lot of tackles and is excellent at gaining yards after contact.
Graham Back?
Saints TE Jimmy Graham fully participated in practice for the first time in over a week. Graham missed last week's win over Tampa with an ankle sprain.
"He did what we called land based stuff, routes on air. He looked very, very good," Coach Joe Vitt explained about Graham. Officially the Saints had Graham listed as "limited" in work out. We'll know more tomorrow, but a really good sign that Graham was back on the field. I thought he had a chance to play last week against Tampa.
If nothing else, he draws a ton of coverage from opposing defenses, so the Saints could use him as a bit of a decoy this week against Denver. Wide receiver Joe Morgan (chest) also was limited in practice as the Saints began preparing for the Broncos.
(Photo by Chris Bennett)
