The New Orleans Saints announced that running back Pierre Thomas has been placed on injured reserve.

After leading the Saints in rushing in 2009, a sprained right ankle limited Thomas to six games this season. In those six games, Thomas carried the ball 83 times for 269 yards and two touchdowns, adding 29 receptions for 201 yards out of the backfield.

Thomas, who tweaked the same ankle during last Friday's practice, is the second Saints running back to land on injured reserve this week.

Rookie running back Chris Ivory, who led the Saints in rushing in Thomas' absence, was placed on injured reserve with a left foot injury on Tuesday.

To replace Thomas, the Saints signed rookie running back Joique Bell off the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad.