Saints activate Hergel with OL injuries

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints have announced their game day roster moves for their matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. The Saints will again elevate a pair of wideouts to help contribute to their passing game and special teams unit and are calling up some help for their offensive line as well. 

The following moves were announced by the team Saturday afternoon:

– DL Tanoh Kpassagnon has been downgraded to out

– OL Kyle Hergel added to the active roster

– S Millard Bradford has been waived

– WRs Dante Pettis and Kevin Austin Jr. have been added to the game day roster  as standard elevations

Kpassagnon is just one week into working his way back for his 2024 debut from the Physically Unable to Perform list. It felt like a return this week would be a long shot. However, next week’s game against the New York Giants could be a viable and serendipitous option. Kpassagnon set a career high in sacks (3) last year against the Giants. 

Hergel gives the team an additional option on the offensive line with starting left guard Lucas Patrick already ruled out. The team will likely turn to second-year lineman Nick Saldiveri to start, but Hergel will provide quality and talented depth. The verdict as to whether or not starting center Erik McCoy will be available has yet to be determined. He will be a game time decision. 

Pettis and Austin have been key contributors to the team in recent weeks. Pettis was an inch away on the sideline from breaking a punt return for a touchdown. Expect him to handle those responsibilities again this week while Austin provides the team a solid intermediate receiving threat. It would not be surprising to see Bradford back with the team soon.