METAIRIE, La. – Sean Payton said New Orleans Saints running back C.J. Spiller is “100 percent healthy” and that he needs to find ways to get him more touches.

Spiller had just two catches for 22 yards and one carry for 4 yards while playing a total of 16 snaps in Sunday’s 27-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Payton said Spiller’s snap count was not limited by his recovery from a recent minor knee surgery. That was the case when Spiller returned to the field in Week 2 and played just seven snaps. But it wasn’t an issue in Week 3.

“He’s healthy, 100 percent healthy,” said Payton, who added that he just got done talking in the Monday morning staff meeting about how part of the issue was how quickly the first half flew by, with the Saints having only three possessions.

“But I’ve got to keep finding opportunities for his touches,” Payton said. “I've got to get him more opportunities. He's healthy and, shoot, he needs more than anything to stay actively warm as opposed to play every 12 or 14 plays.”

Spiller is eventually expected to play a big role in New Orleans’ offense, which has always featured dynamic and versatile runner/receivers like him (See: Darren Sproles, Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas).

And Payton will probably make a strong effort to get Spiller involved this week against the Dallas Cowboys, both because of what he said Monday and the fact New Orleans’ sagging offense needs a spark after an 0-3 start.

The Saints signed Spiller to a four-year, $16 million contract in free agency for a reason. And he has flashed his big-play ability with two 19-yard catches out of the backfield in his limited opportunities this season.

However, it does appear that Spiller’s touches could be limited or sporadic because of the Saints’ crowded backfield.

Mark Ingram, who also signed a four-year, $16 million deal in free agency, played 44 snaps against the Panthers and has shown his own versatility as a pass catcher. Ingram is tied for the Saints’ lead with 16 catches this year for 152 yards.

Backup running back Khiry Robinson, who played 15 snaps against the Panthers, has eight catches for 68 yards.