Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
Now that the New Orleans Saints have wrapped up their preseason and some new injuries have come to light, it’s time to update our 53-man roster projection ahead of roster cuts.
Each position will include an updated list from our alleged “final” 53-man roster projection, along with a summary of changes if anything changed from the previous predictions.
NFL rosters must be cut down to 53 on the active roster by 4:00 p.m. ET Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Quarterbacks (3)
- Spencer Rattler
- Tyler Shough
- Jake Haener
What changed?
No change here. While a majority of NFL teams kept just two passers last season with a third on the practice squad, the Eagles kept three on the active roster. We’ll see if head coach Kellen Moore follows that trend here in New Orleans. The Saints could let Haener pursue another opportunity elsewhere and bring rookie Hunter Dekkers back to the practice squad, but Haener provides a lot of value to the rest of the passers on the sideline.
Running Backs (4)
- Alvin Kamara
- Kendre Miller
- Devin Neal
- Velus Jones Jr.
What changed?
No changes, but only because of roster movement mechanisms. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was the only running back other than Kamara and Miller to receive any snaps with the first team offense on Saturday against the Denver Broncos. But as a veteran, he first offers the easiest roster movement. Edwards-Helaire appears likely to end up on the week one roster even though he may go to the practice squad first.
Wide Receivers (5)
- Chris Olave
- Rashid Shaheed
- Brandin Cooks
- Mason Tipton
- Devaughn Vele
What changed?
No changes here, though I maintain that Dante Pettis’ return ability can land him a spot. But it will likely be on the practice squad for now.
Tight Ends (3)
- Juwan Johnson
- Jack Stoll
- Treyton Welch
- Foster Moreau (PUP)
- Taysom Hill (PUP)
What changed?
No changes here.
Offensive line (9)
- LT Kevin Banks Jr.
- LG Trevor Penning
- C Erik McCoy
- RG Cesar Ruiz
- RT Taliese Fuaga
- Dillon Radunz
- Landon Young or Kyle Hergel
- Shane Lemieux
- Torricelli Simpkins III
What changed?
With Young sidelined by the ankle injury that forced him to be carted off against the Broncos, he may be a candidate for Injured Reserve (IR). At roster cuts, two players can now be placed on IR without ending their seasons like offseason IR appointments. The Saints could also quickly work the waiver wire and free agency with over 1,0000 players becoming available. Don’t be surprised if there’s a new name in this group within a few days after cuts.
Defensive line (10)
- Chase Young
- Carl Granderson
- Cameron Jordan
- Chris Rumph II
- Fadil Diggs
- Davon Godchaux
- Bryan Bresee
- Nathan Shepherd
- Kristian Boyd
- Vernon Broughton
What changed?
No changes. It sounds like Boyd’s hand injury is minor.
Linebackers (5)
- Demario Davis
- Pete Werner
- Nephi Sewell
- Jaylan Ford
- Danny Stutsman
What changed?
Nothing, but this position is still so uncertain. It would be easy to see any pair of young linebackers behind Davis, Werner and Stutsman making this roster.
Defensive Backs (11)
- Kool-Aid McKinstry
- Alontae Taylor
- Isaac Yiadom
- Rico Payton
- Quincy Riley
- Justin Reid
- Julian Blackmon
- Jordan Howden
- J.T. Gray
- Ugo Amadi
- Jonas Sanker
What changed?
No changes. Payton is expected to miss some time but with the bonus week, he may be available week one of the season. Should he miss more extended time than expected, he could also be a short-term IR candidate while Rejzohn Wright steps into his place. Otherwise, Wright should be a priority to land on the practice squad.
Specialists (3)
- K Blake Grupe
- P Kai Kroeger
- LS Zach Wood
What changed?
No changes here. Kroeger served as Grupe’s holder on every kick in the preseason finale and handled first-team punting duties in both the game and last week’s Superdome practice. That just confirms the suspicion that he will be the starting punter this year. Kicker Charlie Smyth should find his way back to the practice squad, where he will not count toward the 16-player limit thanks to his international player exemption status.
