Dennis Allen Reacts to Saints Roster Decisions

By Ross Jackson

After cutting the Saints cut their roster down from 90 to 53, head coach Dennis Allen provided updates on the backup quarterback battle, the ongoing conversation at safety and much more.

Here are some of the key insights from his availability with the media.

On the Backup Quarterback Battle:

“They’re still competing,” Allen said. “I really want it to be that way throughout the course of the season. That those guys are coming out here every day and they’re competing. It’s a healthy competition.”

What has turned out to be an unpopular decision by the head coach, Allen wants to find ways to keep the team’s “QB2” competition going. That process will be challenging. The team will have to work to make sure both passers are getting reps and opportunities to grow and develop. A challenge of which Allen is acutely aware.

“With both of those players, both of them we’ve got to develop,” he said. “we’ve got to find ways to get reps for these guys, whether it be on the show team or whether it be extra sessions.”

One has to imagine that the Saints’ coaching staff has a pretty clear idea of who they would choose to put in a game if called upon. However, they do not look ready to make that option public.

On the Safety Battle:

“I know we know what we’re doing,” he said. “I’m not going to make any declarations on anything. We’re getting closer to game week, so any type of decisions like that we’re going to kind of keep that close to the vest.”

With the first regular season game approaching and the team in “Bonus Week” it makes sense not to give this one away. But the key piece here is the “I know we know what we’re doing,” portion of the quote. It may read sarcastic on paper, but in person it felt like a declaration that the coaching staff knows what they want to do at the position. Which may possibly be what led to the surprise release of veteran safety Johnathan Abram.

On Keeping Cornerback Nick Saidiveri Off Injured Reserve:

“I’m hopeful that we’ll have him back soon,” Allen said.

Fellow 2023 draft pick, running back Kendre Miller, was placed on Injured Reserve with his hamstring injury, but Saldiveri remains on the active roster. The fourth-round offensive lineman had a calf injury sideline him through most of camp, but making the initial roster seems to indicate that he could be back within the first four games of the season.

On the Punter Change:

“I think over the last couple weeks of practice,” Allen said. “(Matthew Hayball) was probably a little bit more consistent than Lou (Hedley). I had a good conversation with Lou. I think he’ll be punting in our league again.”

The Saints will have their fourth punter in five seasons with this change. For the third time in that span, a rookie punter has upset an incumbent player. These kicking competitions have not been taken lightly in New Orleans. Ideally, Hayball restores some consistency to the position for future years.

On Whether or Not the Offensive Line Will See Additions:

“I would say typically um along our offensive line,” Allen said. “Between active roster players and practice squad players, that number is probably ranged anywhere from 10 to 12 players.”

The Saints carried only eight offensive linemen on their initial 53-man roster. This means the team could look to add another two to four players to the active roster and practice squad over the coming days.