Saints running back Deuce McAllister is trying to make it a pair of comebacks from serious knee injuries.
The last time McAllister hurt his knee in 2005 after five games with a torn right ACL, he came back the following year and rushed for 1,057 yards and 10 touchdowns, which was his first season in tandem with Reggie Bush.
Now, McAllister is trying to do it again. He suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in Week 3 last season and is attempting another return.
It will be tough for McAllister to again rush for 1,000 yards and reach double digits in touchdowns, but the potential for those stats remain in place. New Orleans still has a dominant offense, and the Saints like McAllister and Bush playing together.
Last year when McAllister got hurt, Bush failed to duplicate his rookie achievements, with his receiving totals taking a significant hit. With McAllister back as the starting running back, Bush will return to his role as a change-of-pace rusher and receiver.
Fantasy owners are confident in Bush's ability, but McAllister remains in doubt. He turns 30 in December and is on the downside of his career following the knee injuries. The Saints showed concern by entertaining Shaun Alexander for an offseason visit after he was cut in Seattle.
McAllister is no lock to make the team this year, especially with Aaron Stecker and Pierre Thomas showing promise last season when McAllister was hurt. So where does that leave Fantasy owners?
If McAllister makes the team as expected, consider him a No. 4 Fantasy running back. He's a good player to fill out your roster, but don't plan on starting him most weeks.
If he's able to run well, which has been the case this offseason in minicamps, and has a favorable matchup during the bye weeks, then it's worth putting McAllister in your active lineup.
But if you go into the season with the hopes of McAllister returning to glory and bouncing back like he did in 2006, you'll be disappointed. He's not going to be that type of running back any more.
Positives: He bounced back from a torn ACL once before and played well. He will be counted on to score touchdowns if nothing else because Bush is far from a power back. If he's getting the ball on first and second down as expected he'll get enough touches to help your Fantasy team.
Negatives: Coming back from one torn ACL is hard enough, let alone two in three years. Bush will be the featured back even with McAllister the designated starter. He's not a lock to make the team, and the Saints may be looking at veteran free agents like Alexander to replace him.
Outlook: McAllister will probably start but is a candidate for about 800 yards rushing and five touchdowns, which makes him a No. 3 Fantasy option at best. Draft him as a reserve to fill out your roster and hope he can return to his form of 2006.
Position battle: No. 2 wide receiver
 | David Patten
Pro: Patten played well last year as the No. 2 option, finishing with 54 catches for 792 yards and three touchdowns. He is a veteran who Drew Brees appears to trust. He's a solid possession receiver, who might be more suited to play in the slot. The Saints showed their faith in Patten by signing him to a two-year extension this offseason.
Con: He's entering his 12th season and will be 34 in August. He's never had more than 824 yards receiving in a season and only twice had five touchdowns, with a high of seven. |
 | Lance Moore
Pro: Moore is a versatile receiver for the Saints and also plays on special teams as a return specialist. He has plenty of speed, and last year had 32 catches for 302 yards and two touchdowns. He is entering a contract year, which could provide some extra motivation.
Con: There is a thought in New Orleans that Moore could get cut along with Devery Henderson. The Saints are high on rookie receiver Adrian Arrington, and Skyler Green could replace Moore on returns. |  | Robert Meachem
Pro: Meachem has impressed everyone in New Orleans this offseason and is looking like a first-round pick, which he was last season. Meachem has the size and speed to complement Marques Colston. He is healthy following a knee injury.
Con: Meachem was the only first-round pick not to see any action in 2007, mostly due to the knee injury. He has a lot to prove after last year's miserable showing. |  | Devery Henderson
Pro: Henderson has started 19 games the past three seasons and has averaged 25 catches for 499 yards and four touchdowns. He's a solid deep threat, which is a good complement to Colston.
Con: Like Moore, Henderson is in danger of getting cut. He has failed to secure the job after plenty of opportunities the past three seasons. | | Prediction: Patten remains No. 2 to start the season with Meachem the third option. Moore or Henderson gets cut because the Saints like Arrington. Fantasy owners should plan on drafting Meachem with a late-round selection and leaving Patten alone because Meachem has the most upside. He could be starting for the Saints by the end of the season. | |
