If Pierre Thomas returns in Week 13, it makes all the Saints running backs less attractive in fantasy leagues.

NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora has the latest on the CBA negotiations, injury updates on Saints RBs Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas, Browns WR Joshua Cribbs and Titans WR Kenny Britt, as well as the possibility of former Dallas coach Wade Phillips landing with Mike Shanahan in Washington.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas doesn’t appear to be any closer to a return. Chris Ivory and Ladell Betts will continue to share the workload, but neither should be a fantasy option against the Steelers.

Vikings QB Brett Favre is in a walking boot and has two fractures in his surgically repaired left ankle, though the ankle injury is not as severe as the fractured ankles of those currently jumping off the Vikings’ bandwagon.

Chris Ivory is making a case to be fantasy relevant while Pierre Thomas is out.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas is out for Sunday, not much of a surprise considering that he had complained of soreness along with swelling, and the team signed Julius Jones this week.

Saints coach Sean Payton told reporters today that Pierre Thomas still has soreness and swelling with his ankle injury. When the Saints signed Julius Jones, I figured this was a bad sign that Thomas was not as close to returning as we would all hope. And that might be the case.

When you think of all of the great fantasy players for the Saints, where would you rank Ladell Betts and Chris Ivory? They were likely an afterthought in your drafts, unless you are playing in a ridiculously deep draft.

If Pierre Thomas isn’t back in Week 5, Ladell Betts and Chris Ivory figure to have fantasy value.

Already struggling to run the football this season, the Saints won’t have starting RB Pierre Thomas in Sunday’s game against the Panthers because of an ankle injury. That likely means veteran Ladell Betts will start.

Pierre Thomas was limited in practice on Friday and is considered a game-day decision. Obviously, game-day decisions are terrible for many reasons, which we have discussed before. And Thomas is i no better position than Jahvid Best, Ray Rice or Steven Jackson.

With a number of big-name players facing injuries this week, here’s a one-stop shop for the latest updates as the news cycle comes to a close on Thursday.

In a week where running back injuries are rampant, Kenneth Darby could have some fantasy appeal.

Pierre Thomas might be a game-time decision for Week 4, so Chris Ivory could have sudden fantasy appeal.

Monday night is often the bane of the fantasy football existence.