Saints release injured RB Hamilton, bring back LB Coleman

METAIRIE, La. -- Injured running back Lynell Hamilton has been cut by the New Orleans Saints.

Hamilton, 25, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during a combined practice at New England earlier this week and is expected to miss the entire 2010 season.

Hamilton, a second-year pro, first signed with the Saints as a free agent following the 2008 NFL Draft. He spent nearly all of his rookie season on the practice squad before seeing an expanded role in 2009, playing in nine games with one start and rushing for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Hamilton also was a key special teams player.

The Saints also re-signed linebacker Harry Coleman. He was signed by the Saints as a rookie free agent in May and participated in the team's offseason program before being waived shortly before the start of training camp.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press