SEATTLE -- New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas is inactive for Saturday's NFC divisional round playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks because of a chest injury.
Cornerback Keenan Lewis and defensive end Akiem Hicks are both active for the Saints.
Thomas has missed both of the Saints' playoff games because of an unspecified chest injury that he suffered in Week 17.
Thomas has been a valuable part of the Saints' offense all season as a runner, a receiver and a pass protector.
But the Saints do have depth at the running back position –- which they proved last weekend when Mark Ingram, Darren Sproles and Khiry Robinson combined to help New Orleans run for 185 yards in a 26-24 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
That run game will be key for the Saints in what's expected to be wet and windy weather -- not to mention Seattle's No. 1-ranked pass defense.
Lewis was expected to play after practicing fully all week. He left last Saturday's wild-card game early with a concussion. Hicks was limited in practice all week with an ankle injury. He's an underrated starter on the interior of New Orleans' line, especially as a run defender.