The New Orleans Saints added depth to the running back rotation on Wednesday by bringing in former Detroit Lions runner Zach Zenner. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network first reported Zenner’s signing with the team. Zenner’s addition comes in the wake of Alvin Kamara’s ankle injury and a tryout for Travaris Cadet, a passing-downs specialist who spent most of his career in New Orleans.
Zenner was a budget-friendly free agent option we suggested back in February should the Saints lose Mark Ingram; he spent the offseason with the Lions after re-signing with the team in March, but didn’t make it through roster cuts. The Saints put him through a workout in early September alongside other NFL veterans like their own former draft pick Marcus Murphy, so he’s obviously been on their radar.
Zenner appeared in 37 games for the Lions (including the playoffs) from 2015 to 2018, recording 185 rushing attempts to gain 719 yards on the ground (a rate of 3.9 yards per carry), scoring 8 touchdown runs. He caught 33 of his 43 career targets to put up 317 yards through the air and arguably played his best as a rotational piece under then-Lions play-caller Joe Lombardi, who has since returned to his post as the Saints quarterbacks coach.
If Kamara is going to miss any time or at least see a lessened workload, Zenner is a veteran with experience in the same offense who can help hold down the fort until Kamara is back in the saddle. The Saints still have Latavius Murray and Dwayne Washington on the 53-man roster and Taquan Mizzell on the practice squad, so they aren’t lacking for options.
Zenner’s signing coincided with the release of linebacker Stephone Anthony, filling the void he left on the active roster. However, the Saints have another vacancy for the next two weeks while cornerback P.J. Williams serves his suspension. The Saints could soon make another move, whether it’s bringing in another free agent or promoting someone from the practice squad.
