The Jets have acquired Ivory from the Saints for a fourth-round draft pick, the Daily News reports.

Analysis: Ivory, who had 40 carries for 217 yards with two TDs in six games for the Saints in 2012, bolsters a Jets' backfield that also includes Mike Goodson, Bilal Powell and Joe McKnight. The bruising Ivory, who the Jets are expected to sign to a long-term contract, certainly won't be handed the team's feature back duties, but he has a 5.1 yards-per-carry average since coming into the league in 2010, which suggests that he could well be productive in a Jets' uniform, assuming he can carve out a significant role in the team's backfield.

Ivory has signed a tender offer with the Saints.

Analysis: Now that Ivory has re-signed, he can no longer sign an offer sheet with another team. However, a trade is still a possibility. There are rumors swirling about the Jets being interested in trading for the back.

Ivory received a second-round restricted free agent tender from the Saints, Larry Holder of the Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: Barring a trade, it looks like Ivory will be back in New Orleans next season. The 24-year-old opened last year on the PUP list before going on to rush for 217 yards on 40 carries. The Saints' backfield is certainly crowded, but Ivory could carve himself out a role with a healthy and productive training camp.

Ivory gained 22 yards on four carries in Sunday's finale against Carolina. He finished the season with 217 yards on 40 carries (5.4 YPC) and two touchdowns in six games.

Analysis: Ivory began the year on the PUP list with a foot injury and didn't appear in a game until Week 9 due to the Saints' depth at running back. However, once he got his chance, he was arguably the team's most effective runner. Ivory has a history of performing well with the Saints, but his opportunities have been limited by injuries and the team's preference for deploying a three-headed attack at running back. He'll be a hot commodity as a restricted free agent this offseason, and with Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles all under contract through next year, it would not be surprising to see him in a different uniform next season.

Ivory (hamstring) is active for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

Analysis: Of course, his role is uncertain with the Saints' full complement of backs healthy, so consider him to be a lottery ticket for meaningful value in Week 17.

Ivory (hamstring) is probable for Sunday's game against Carolina.

Analysis: Ivory may see the field a bit with Pierre Thomas (knee) out, but he's generally not viable as a fantasy option.

Ivory (hamstring) was a full practice participant Wednesday, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: Ivory has missed the last three games due to a hamstring injury but appears poised to return to action Sunday against Carolina. However, it's difficult to see him earning many touches with Mark Ingram dominating the running game (48 carries while Ivory was sidelined) and Pierre Thomas acting as a receiving threat (17 catches versus 16 runs with Ivory out). Friday's injury report should clear up the Saints' running back situation.

Ivory (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, the Saints' official Twitter feed reports.

Analysis: Without Ivory, the Saints will lean on Mark Ingram, Darren Sproles, and Pierre Thomas on Sunday.

Ivory (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against Dallas.

Analysis: Even if Ivory is available Sunday, there's no guarantee that the Saints will use him since all of Darren Sproles, Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas are around.

Ivory (hamstring) was limited at practice Thursday, New Orleans Times-Picayune writer Mike Triplett reports.

Analysis: With Ivory having missed two straight games, he'd be a risky roll even if he were to suit up Sunday against the Cowboys, especially with Mark Ingram coming off a 14-carry, 90-yard effort in Week 15.

Ivory (hamstring) was a limited practice participant Wednesday, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: Ivory his missed the last two contests due to his hamstring injury, but an increase in his activity level is certainly encouraging for his availability Sunday at Dallas. If he does suit up, he will join a fully healthy backfield of Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas, and Mark Ingram, which holds down his relevance in fantasy circles. We'll watch his progress, though, as the week carries on.

Ivory (hamstring) is out for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, New Orleans Times-Picayune writer Mike Triplett reports.

Analysis: With Ivory out, the Saints backfield is somewhat more clear, though the three-man rotation of Darren Sproles, Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas is still problematic for fantasy owners, particularly regarding the last two.

Ivory (hamstring) did not practice Thursday, the Saints' official site reports.

Analysis: If Ivory is sidelined once again in Week 15, look for Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas to do the bulk of the heavy lifting the Saints' backfield Sunday against the Bucs, with Darren Sproles in line to see his share of change-of-pace touches.

Ivory (hamstring) did not participate in practice Wednesday, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: Ivory sat out Week 14's tilt against the Giants with the same ailment, so his lack of activity Wednesday does not bode well for his availability Sunday against Tampa Bay. If he is sidelined in Week 15, Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram will take on the majority of the carries once again, with Darren Sproles ready to contribute in the passing attack against the Buccaneers' league-worst pass defense.

Ivory (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Analysis: With Ivory out Sunday, Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram will handle most of the heavy lifting in the Saints' backfield this week, with Darren Sproles available to contribute, mostly in the passing game, as well.

Ivory is now listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Giants, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: With Ivory -- who had just three carries for four yards in Week 13 -- unlikely to play Sunday, Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram will handle the heavy lifting in the Saints' backfield this week, with Darren Sproles on hand to contribute as well, mostly in the passing game.

Ivory gained four yards on three carries in Thursday's loss to Atlanta.

Analysis: Well, so much for Ivory passing Pierre Thomas (14 carries, 84 yards) in the Saints' backfield pecking order. While it is certainly possible coach Joe Vitt was simply riding the hot hand with Thomas running well on Thursday, it is a bit strange to see Ivory so limited, especially after he gained 72 yards on seven carries and a touchdown against Atlanta a three weeks ago. The only thing that is clear regarding the Saints' backfield: it will continue to be difficult to trust any of the running backs given the whimsical decisionmaking of the coaching staff when it comes to running the ball.

Ivory had eight carries for 34 yards Sunday against the 49ers.

Analysis: Not a great performance, although it should be noted that Ivory led the Saints in rushing yards despite getting two fewer carries than Mark Ingram. Ivory has certainly moved ahead of Pierre Thomas, who had one carry Sunday, on the depth chart and the return of Darren Sproles didn't change his workload much. Next up is a Thursday matchup against a Falcons' defense ranked 26th against the run heading into Sunday.

Ivory had eight carries for 37 yards Sunday against the Raiders.

Analysis: Ivory's performance Sunday had to be seen as a disappointment for owners who had been spoiled by his performances the prior weeks. While he finished with more carries than Pierre Thomas, he still saw four few carries than Mark Ingram (12), who appears to be the leader in the Saints' backfield right now. However, that can all change when Darren Sproles returns from his hand injury and it is difficult to predict which Saints' running back will carry the load on a given week.

Ivory, Sproles top backs for Saints

In his "All-22" analysis, NFL.com's Bucky Brooks notes, "Ivory is the Saints' most explosive runner outside of Sproles. At 6-foot, 222 pounds, Ivory has the size to run effectively between the tackles, yet he also exhibits the speed and burst to get to the corner on perimeter runs." FULL SAINTS ANALYSIS

Analysis: With Darren Sproles limited in practice on Wednesday, it's looking like Ivory will have to share the backfield with the incumbent starter. That said, against a Raiders defense which has allowed a ton of points, there will be value in both backs should you need help.

Ivory had seven carries for 72 rushing yards and a touchdown, as well as one catch for 13 receiving yards Sunday against the Falcons.

Analysis: Ivory has been a marvel since returning to the fantasy scene last week, yet a majority of Ivory's fantasy production came on a 56-yard highlight reel touchdown in the first quarter. Meanwhile, Mark Ingram led the Saints with 16 carries and Pierre Thomas also got five of his own. The Saints' rushing attack is quite split right now, which limits Ivory's fantasy upside moving forward and makes it difficult to predict how successful he will be on a given week, especially once Darren Sproles returns.

Sproles ruled out

The New Orleans Saints have officially ruled running back Darren Sproles out for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons, NOLA.com reported. FULL REPORT

Analysis: The combination of Chris Ivory, Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram had 23 rushes for 136 against the Eagles last week. That rotation will continue to fill in for Sproles.

With Darren Sproles ruled out for Sunday's contest against Atlanta, Ivory should once again see significant snaps.

Analysis: Given that Sproles' greatest value to the Saints is his versatility and receiving abilities, two things for which Ivory is not known, we don't really know what to make of Ivory leading the offense in touches last week, especially with the Saints top two rushers, Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram, healthy and also receiving snaps. As a result, it is difficult to forecast how Ivory will be utilized against the Falcons, butat the very least he remains an interesting sleeper option so long as he continues to see reps with Sproles sidelined.

Ivory gained 48 yards on ten carries and a 22-yard touchdown run in Monday's win over the Eagles.

Analysis: Ivory saw significant playing time for the first time all year and took advantage of the opportunity. While he was certainly a sleeper option this week, no one could have expected Ivory to lead the Saints in carries and yards. However, both Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram also saw significant carries and were each equally effective. Ivory makes for an interesting add this week but keep in mind that the roles in the Saints' backfield are hardly defined.

Ivory is "healthy and available" and could be active any given Sunday, the Saints' official Twitter page reports.

Analysis: Interim coach Aaron Kromer relayed the news, adding that "there is a chance every week Ivory could see action." He has yet to carry the ball this season with Darren Sproles, Mark Ingram, and Pierre Thomas experiencing no health issues to date.

Ivory will not play Sunday at Green Bay, the Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: Ivory has yet to carry the ball this season with Darren Sproles, Mark Ingram, and Pierre Thomas all healthy.

Ivory is inactive for Sunday's game against the Redskins, the Saints' official site reports.

Analysis: With Darren Sproles, Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas all healthy, Ivory's upside was already quite limited.

Ivory gained 57 yards on eight carries, his best performance of the preseason, in Saturday's win against Houston. Unfortunately, Ivory also lost an early fumble.

Analysis: Ivory looked strong on Saturday and saw snaps early in the first quarter with the first team offense. His stats have improved in every preseason game and, given his experience, he looks to be inching closer to sewing up a roster spot ahead of preseason darling Travaris Cadet.

Ivory finally came to life in Friday's preseason game against Jacksonville, carrying ten times for 43 yards.

Analysis: While Ivory finally showed up, it was Tavaris Cadet who once again shone. Cadet has shown that he is more versatile than Ivory, but Ivory has the history of performing in the regular season that Cadet obviously lacks as a rookie. The final two preseason games will go a long way to determining how the final running back spot shakes out.

Ivory had eight carries for 17 yards in Thursday night's preseason game at New England.

Analysis: Ivory got plenty of carries in this game, but for the second time during this young preseason, he was unable to convert those touches into many yards.

Ivory suffered through an ugly performance in Sunday's preseason opener against Arizona, gaining a mere 13 years on nine carries.

Analysis: Ivory led the Saints in carries but found very little running room. As a punishing downhill runner, Ivory is known for his hard running, but unfortunately, not for his vision. Lacking very little room to operate, he could never quite get going. While his roster spot is likely safe, he is clearly the fourth running back on the roster, behind Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas, and Darren Sproles, and likely has little fantasy value barring injury.

Ivory's contract was modified to compensate him for the $72,900 in salary he lost due to injury during the 2011 season, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: The Saints probably wouldn't have done this if they didn't have Ivory in their plans for 2012. Competition for carries could be fierce, but expect Ivory, Darren Sproles, Mark Ingram, and Pierre Thomas to make the final roster. Ivory may be the least valuable of those four players come draft day, but it would be no surprise if he ends up with a few 100-yard games in 2012.

With Pierre Thomas (head) sidelined on the opening drive, Ivory led the Saints with nine carries but gained only 23 yards in Saturday's loss to San Francisco.

Analysis: Ivory appeared in only six regular-season games after spending most of the year on the PUP list. In all, he finished the year with 374 yards on 79 carries but only scored once. While coach Sean Payton prefers a running back by committee approach, Ivory only saw substantial playing time when Mark Ingram was injured, given their similar skill sets. Assuming Ingram is healthy next year, Ivory will retain little value as anything other than a handcuff.

With Mark Ingram ruled out for the entire postseason, Ivory led the Saints with 13 carries, gaining 47 yards, in Saturday's Wild Card win over Detroit.

Analysis: Ivory was outproduced by both Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles. While he ran effectively at times, he finished with a mere 3.6 yards per carry average and clearly looked the part of the inferior back to Thomas. The 49ers did not give up a rushing touchdown in 2011 until Week 16, making this a tough matchup for Ivory, who lacks the versatility of Thomas and Sproles. Still, the weather forecast is favorable, the Saints' offense is clicking and coach Sean Payton continues to feed Ivory the ball, so he may be worth a roll of the dice in San Francisco.

Ivory had his best game of the season in Sunday's win over Carolina, rushing for 127 yards with a touchdown.

Analysis: Ivory got off to a great start, running for a 35-yard touchdown early in the first quarter. Ivory received eight more carries than Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas combined, and that could continue in the playoffs, as fellow bruising runner Mark Ingram (toe) is out for the year.

Ivory gained 35 yards on eight carries in Monday night's win against Atlanta.

Analysis: Ivory saw 18 and 13 carries the last two weeks so Monday had to be a disappointment for fantasy owners. Further, it was Pierre Thomas who punched in a score from close range in the first half. With Mark Ingram potentially out next week in the finale against Carolina, Ivory could be a good play but coach Sean Payton's use of his running backs is perplexing.

Ivory led the Saints with 18 carries for 74 yards in Sunday's win at Minnesota.

Analysis: Ivory had 10 more carries than both Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles, although they each had a touchdown. Expect Ivory to continue to see approximately double-digit carries as long as Mark Ingram (toe) is out of the lineup, but owners shouldn't expect too much more than what Ivory provided on Sunday.

With Mark Ingram ruled out for Sunday's tilt in Minnesota, Ivory should see an increased workload.

Analysis: With Ingram sidelined last week, Ivory received a team-high 13 carries and ran effectively (53 yards). Ivory will likely see a similar number of carries this week, but faces a fairly stout run defense in Minnesota. If you are needy at running back, Ivory could be worth a shot, but with Pierre Thomas still lurking, Ivory is far from a guaranteed stud.

Ivory had 13 carries for 53 yards in Sunday's win at Tennessee.

Analysis: Ivory led the Saints in attempts and yardage, although Drew Brees was once again the top performer with 337 yards and two touchdowns. If Mark Ingram's turf toe forces him to miss another game, expect a similar number of carries from Ivory next week.

Chris Ivory: Active Sunday Against Tennessee

Ivory is active for Sunday's game against Tennessee, the Saints official Twitter feed reports.

Analysis: With Mark Ingram out, Ivory should be in line for a few carries, which could mean a goal-line touchdown stolen from Darren Sproles or Pierre Thomas. Still, expect the majority of the yards to go to Sproles and Thomas.

Ivory (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Falcons, the Saints' official Twitter feed reports.

Analysis: With Ivory sitting this one out, look for Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas to share most of the carries while Darren Sproles gets the call as the Saints' primary receiving threat out of the backfield.

Ivory (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against Atlanta.

Analysis: There's a distinct possibility that Ivory will be inactive due to the return of Mark Ingram (heel), making him unapproachable for fantasy owners who can't follow up on his status when the Sunday morning inactive list is released.

Ivory (hamstring) remained limited in practice Thursday, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: Mark Ingram was limited too, but he could be back in the mix this weekend, which could well limit Ivory's opportunities (assuming he suits up) after his 15-carry workload in Week 9.

Ivory (hamstring) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice, according to NFL.com.

Analysis: Ivory received a big workload last week (15 carries), but his hamstring injury, and the potential return of Mark Ingram (heel) are problematic. Ingram didn't practice in full Wednesday, however, so it's possible he'll miss his third straight game, allowing Ivory to get decent work again.