The New Orleans Saints will close out their 2026 preseason this week with their finale matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. The game will provide a final live-game opportunity to players that are on the roster bubble to possibly secure a spot.
Ahead of the initial 53-man roster being set between the end of the game and Sunday’s cutdown deadline at 5:00 p.m. CT, here is the way we currently project the team’s roster to stand.
Quarterback (3)
Unless there becomes a massive separation between Rattler and Wilson during Friday’s preseason finale, it seems like all three are set to make the roster for now. That could change between the initial roster and Week 1. But for the time being, it doesn’t feel like either has run away with the opportunity over the other. The NFL’s third quarterback rule makes keeping a trio on the roster a possibility.
Running Back (5)
With Neal battling a recurrence with his hamstring injury, he could well be an Injured Reserve (IR) candidate. However, the team has a few of those options. Therefore, carrying Neal for now only to place him on IR later appears to be an option. The initial roster always has some changes before Week 1.
Otherwise, the Saints’ running back room appears set as long as everyone comes out of the game against the Cowboys clean. Recently acquired back Zamir White and undrafted rookie CJ Donaldson should be seen as priority practice squad candidates in this case, with White being best positioned to perhaps change the minds of New Orleans.
Wide Receiver (5)
Starting Tyson on short-term injured reserve seems like a real possibility. But the Saints have been known to be stingy with short-term IR spots, so keeping six wideouts shouldn’t be out of the question. But we’ll take the most likely route for these purposes. With Tyson headed to the injury list, Austin jumps in above his competitors.
Tight Ends (3)
Finding a fourth tight end could be important for New Orleans with the wide receiver room limited by injury. Moliki Matavao appeared to be on his way to claiming that spot, but suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Los Angeles Rams in the second preseason game.
One option on the roster now is tight end Treyton Welch, who has spent a number of years on the roster. Otherwise, expect New Orleans to be in the hunt for another option with the roster configuring that takes place after the initial list is set.
Offensive Line (9)
- Kelvin Banks Jr. (LT)
- David Edwards (LG)
- Erik McCoy (C)
- Cesar Ruiz (RG)
- Taliese Fuaga (RT)
- Asim Richards
- William Sherman
- Torricelli Simpkins III
- Jeremiah Wright
The only offensive lineman not listed here that could sneak on the roster is second-year lineman Easton Kilty. He’s been remarkably impressive over the course of the first two preseason games, as noted in our Pro Football Focus grade stories. But with nine already set, he may have to wait a little longer on the practice squad along with a couple of promising undrafted rookies from this year’s class.
Edge Rushers (5)
This room has been set since the offseason began. Undrafted rookie Mike Heldman has shown some promise, but will be a priority to land on the practice squad to continue his development.
Defensive Linemen (5)
- Davon Godchaux
- Nathan Shepherd
- Vernon Broughton
- Christen Miller
- Khristian Boyd
- John Ridgeway III (IR)
This room may have started training camp with the loss of top interior pass rusher Bryan Bresee, but still has a ton of potential with the blend of young and proven talent. The biggest question will be how the team handles John Ridgeway III as he recovers from injury. For now, with the space available on the roster, carrying him over may be the best option if his injury is short-term.
Linebackers (5)
Once the team traded away veteran linebacker Deion Jones to help their running back room, it became apparent that this room was decided upon. The only thing that needs to happen now is for the room to stay healthy against Dallas.
Cornerbacks (5)
This is another room that felt very set for a long time going into camp. Rookie TJ Hall has flashed and shown some impressive tools. He would be a prime candidate for further development on the practice squad. But, should Ridgeway head to IR, Hall could be a sixth corner worth keeping on the initial roster.
Safeties (5)
With rookie safety Lorenzo Styles Jr’s injury expected to create “time lost” for the young defensive back, he would become a player to watch out for to either go to IR at roster cuts or to potentially be carried into the season on the initial roster and placed on the injury list before Week 1. Otherwise, this room is clear.
Specialists (3)
- Daniel Carlson (K)
- Ryan Wright (P)
- Zach Wood (LS)
The only conversation here is kicker. While Irish boot Charlie Smyth has the biggest upside and potential out of the bunch, he’s not yet mastered the consistency desired from the position. Carlson’s late addition to the battle seems like a bit of writing on the wall that just can’t be shaken. Smyth would be eligible as an International Practice Player to not take up a spot on the practice squad, where he can continue to develop.
