By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS – It looked like a reunion might have been in store for the New Orleans Saints, but it looks like they’ve gone a different direction signing a deceptively powerful running back.
Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Saints will add former New York Jets running back Xazavian Valladay to their practice squad.
The Saints also worked out one of their former running backs, Boston Scott this week, per a report from FOX Sports Insider Jordan Schultz.. The team was clearly looking to add some depth this week after back Kendre Miller was sent to Injured Reserve for the second time this season.
This move could also indicate further injury at the position after Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers. But that will not be known for certain until Wednesday’s practice is under way. New Orleans could just be looking to add more depth at the position on the practice squad.
Running back Jamaal Williams did miss last week’s game with a groin injury.
Valladay is a 5-foot-11, 204-pound running back with 4.48 speed and a lot of athletic ability. However, his real calling card throughout his collegiate days at Wisconsin and Arizona State were about his ability to gain yards after contact. He runs with more force than maybe is expected for his frame. He also has a lot of experience running the outside zone scheme, especially at Arizona State.
On his collegiate tape, you see a back that is very decisive and doesn’t waste movement. Those are good building blocks for the 26-year-old back. Whether or not he’ll find the field in New Orleans throughout his first season here remains to be seen. But the Saints made a similar move, though earlier in the season, for running back Jordan Mims last year. Mims spent his rookie year on the practice squad and now holds an active roster spot. That kind of example of opportunity is attractive for young players like Valladay.
The new signee has one game of NFL experience where he registered no rushing stats. In college he totaled 841 carries for 4,473 rushing yards, and 35 rushing touchdowns. He also had 88 receptions for 873 receiving yards and 4 touchdown catches through his 4 years.
