Saints place running back Thomas on IR

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas has been shelved for the post-season with an injured ankle, the team said Wednesday.

Thomas, who didn't play in Sunday's 23-13 loss to Tampa Bay due to the lingering sprain, was placed on the injured reserve list.

Thomas, in his fourth year out of Illinois, played in only six games during the 2010 season. He rushed 83 times for 269 yards and two touchdowns and made 29 receptions for 201 yards.

The loss of Thomas came one day after the Saints put leading rusher Chris Ivory on the IR. Ivory, who had racked up 716 yards on 137 carries and scored five touchdowns this season, injured his foot during the loss to the Buccaneers.

New Orleans placed running back Joique Bell on the active roster to fill Thomas' roster spot.

The defending NFL champs will open the playoffs at Seattle Saturday.