The New Orleans Saints placed running back Ladell Betts on injured reserve on Wednesday, ending his 2010 season. In Week 11, Betts suffered a concussion and neck injury in a game against the Seattle Seahawks. Now that running back Pierre Thomas finally is returning to the team, the team no longer needed Betts on the active roster. In his place, New Orleans signed linebacker Kawika Mitchell. In his eight seasons, he has played for the Buffalo Bills, New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs. He was a part of the 2007 New York Giants Super Bowl winning team. He started this season in Buffalo and was placed on injured reserve due to a foot injury. After being released with an injury settlement, he was able to sign with a new team.

Fantasy Analysis:

The Saints are obviously gearing up towards a playoff push and doing the little things necessary to shore up perceived weaknesses. Betts played a bit from Weeks 4 to 9, but he had limited success. With running back Chris Ivory playing well, Reggie Bush is back and healthy and the impending return of Pierre Thomas, Betts wasn't immediately needed. The addition of Mitchell helps New Orleans due to a lack of quality depth at the outside linebacker positions. Mitchell has experience and fills an immediate need.