Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS, La. — After adding a pair of players, kicker Cade York and wide receiver Samori Toure to the practice squad, the New Orleans Saints have made the corresponding moves needed to open up those roster spots.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Saints have released linebacker Eku Leota and per NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill, the team also moved in from former Tulane wide receiver Jha’Quan Jackson.
Leota spent most of the season with New Orleans, being elevated for his maximum of three contests as a special teams contributor. After his elevations were spent, the team kept him on the practice squad, sharing positive feedback about his performance and potential.
Should a spot open up as the Saints shuffle kickers and other transactions, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Leota return. Though his elevations will not reset.
As for Jackson, he was signed by the team just a week ago. It seemed a sure thing that there may have been a plan to get him involved in the return game with wideout Dante Pettis having just one elevation left to go for the season.
New Orleans currently has two active roster spots open. It’s likely that one will go to offensive lineman Barry Wesley, who has been working his way back from Injured Reserve. The other is expected to be eventually filled by the kicker that’s selected to fill former kicker Blake Grupe’s role.
