Now that the final preseason game of the 2026 season is complete, the New Orleans Saints’ next big task is to cut its 91-man roster down to their initial 53-man roster and fill out their practice squad.
The deadline to cut the roster to 53 players is right around the corner, set for Sunday, Aug. 30 at 5:00 p.m. CT.
Among the cutdown itself are some key decisions to be made as well as some indication of team health.
The Saints will have to make their decision on how many quarterbacks they want to keep, and if only two, which will be the backup to starter Tyler Shough.
New Orleans will also make its long-awaited choice between Charlie Smyth, Tanner Brown and the recently acquired Daniel Carlson as to which will be the team’s starting placekicker.
If Smyth is not chosen, he has a chance to remain with the team as an International Practice Player if added back to the practice squad after cuts. He’ll first have to clear waivers in that scenario, meaning another team would have to pass on coveting him for their active roster.
The team’s collection of running backs has been impressive throughout camp and the preseason, but injuries have also impacted the position. Which collection of backs is selected to remain a part of the team will be a fascinating storyline to track.
The team will also have the option on Sunday to place two players on short-term Injured Reserve for the first time during this year’s NFL calendar.
Players like rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, running back Devin Neal and defensive lineman John Ridgeway III are among the candidates that could be placed on the list.
Head Coach Kellen Moore consistently refers to cutdown day as his least favorite day of his job with tough decisions and impacts on the livelihood of good human beings looming. But it is a necessary part of the process as the team officially turns the page from the offseason to the regular season which begins on Sept. 13.
