Deuce

McAllister

Without the aid of a lead blocker, Deuce has only averaged 3.5 y/c in two preseason games. The Saints lost standout fullback Terrelle Smith over the offseason. We wouldn’t drastically adjust McAllister’s value, but it’s something to consider.

Right now, the New Orleans writers are just guessing. But similar injuries usually take multiple weeks to recover. We’ll know more after the Saints press conference.

McAllister was frustrated after running w/o a fullback and w/o success last Sunday. New Orleans will work fullback Mike Karney into the equation more often, but Deuce also needs to run stronger. We’re predicting a big bounce-back game this weekend vs. San Francisco.

“I thought he moved probably the best he’s moved since he got hurt,” coach Jim Haslett said of McAllister, who reported being tentative and sore. “He wants to play in the worst way, and we’d love to have him,” Haslett said. Stay tuned, but this is sounding more optimistic. McAllister should play next week at the latest. The gig is almost up for Aaron Stecker owners.

He’ll be touch and go all week, although most Saints observers believe Deuce will return to the field next week.

It won’t prevent him from playing this week and we wouldn’t let it scare fantasy owners. “I’m not 100 (percent), but I’m getting there,” McAllister said.

NFL.com reports McAllister was in pads, but looked to be in pain during practice. Still, this is a good sign that Deuce is getting closer. He’s listed as questionable this week.

McAllister, the coaching staff noted, is not running with the same confidence, authority or explosiveness as the past two seasons, due in part to his injured ankle. The Saints are off this week, but after the bye week Deuce will still be a definite starter in all leagues.

“It’s not the pain so much; it’s his ability to make cuts. We’ve had take him out on plays because he can’t do them. On passing plays, Aaron Stecker will do them better right now,” said head coach Jim Haslett. McAllister will hopefully look better coming off his bye week.

We will say McAllister looked healthier on Sunday, but a deficit and a great defensive effort kept him down.