The Focus on Saints Backup Running Backs Gets Clearer

New Orleans' backup running back picture gets clearer going into the final preseason game.

On Sunday afternoon, before the Saints practiced inside Caesars Superdome for the fans, the New Orleans Saints' view of the backup running back position got clearer. The team released running back Devine Ozigbo, who was battling Tony Jones Jr., Dwayne Washington, and rookie Abram Smith during training camp. None of the rushers have distinguished themselves as a clear front-runner for the backup position.

Saints Backup Running Backs in 2022 Preseason

Ozigbo finished Friday night's preseason game in Green Bay with seven rushes for 40 yards and two receptions for 7 yards (3.5 avg). During the preseason opener in Houston, Ozigbo has eight rushes for 26 yards (3.3 avg) and one reception for -1 yard.  

Aug 19, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Ian Book (16) hands the football off to running back Tony Jones Jr. (34) during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Jones Jr.'s production in the Houston contest yielded seven carries for 30 yards (3.9 avg), one catch for 1 yard (1.0 avg), and three kick returns for 73 yards (24.3 avg). 

On Friday versus the Packers, Jones Jr. ran four times for 19 yards (4.8 avg), three receptions for 20 yards (6.7 avg), and two kick returns for 53 yards (26.5 avg).

Aug 13, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Abram Smith (33) runs with the ball as Houston Texans linebacker Tae Davis (19) attempts to make a tackle during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

ABRAM SMITH

Smith was least effective in the rushing attack with nine rushes for 25 yards (2.8 avg) and caught three passes for 5 yards (1.7 avg). He ran behind mostly lower-string players on the depth chart who failed to get a push and open lanes for the running back. 

Smith had a productive game in Texas while rushing seven carries for 30 yards (4.3 avg) and one reception for 12 yards (12.0 avg). He did cough up the football near the goal line. Allen stated he had "explosive plays," but putting the "football on the ground" was a concern.

DWAYNE WASHINGTON

Aug 13, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Dwayne Washington (24) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Dwayne Washington did not see action against Green Bay. Against the Texans, he rushed nine times for 19 yards (2.1 avg) and had three receptions for 18 yards (9.0 avg). Allen withheld Washington from the Packers game because he is a special teams standout for New Orleans.  

Saints Backup Running Backs Rankings (2 Preseason Games)

1. Dwayne Washington - 0 Snaps vs. Packers
2. Tony Jones Jr. - 15 (24% offense), 8 (32% special teams) vs. Packers
3. Abram Smith - 22 (35% offense), 12 (48% special teams) vs. Packers

New Orleans will host the Los Angeles Chargers in its final preseason game in Caesars Superdome at 7:00 PM CT on Thursday, Aug. 25. Both teams are winless in the preseason. Still, the roster auditions will continue and be highly contested for many players. The game may be their last opportunity to impress the team's coaches or have a positive video for another club desiring to sign the player.

Expect New Orleans to focus heavily on the competition between Jones Jr. and Smith in the last warmup before they open on the road against Atlanta in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 12:00 PM CT on Sept. 11.

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