The New Orleans Saints listed multiple roster moves on the NFL transactions wire for Tuesday, shaking up the practice squad as well as the 53-man roster. Several of these transactions — such as the release of nose tackle Taylor Stallworth and a reunion with practice squad quarterback J.T. Barrett — were previously reported.
On the practice squad, Barrett was signed to fill a spot previously held by safety Terrell Williams Jr. Williams spent the summer with the Saints and joined the practice squad after being waived during roster cuts earlier this month, but was released on Tuesday to make room for Barrett. Bringing Barrett back is a smart move considering the lack of depth at quarterback the Saints have with Drew Brees soon undergoing hand surgery. The practice squad remains at full 10-man capacity.
Additionally, the Saints cleared up two holes on the active roster by waiving Stallworth and sending second-year wide receiver Keith Kirkwood to injured reserve. Kirkwood was sidelined for much of training camp with an undisclosed ailment and hurt his hamstring during pregame warmups against the Los Angeles Rams; that injury was enough to end his season. The 53-man roster now has two open spots, which accounts for the addition of rookie pass rusher Carl Granderson, having replaced linebacker Alex Anzalone, who also landed on injured reserve on Monday.
Look for the Saints to promote a pass catcher or two before their Week 3 game against the Seattle Seahawks. They’re dealing with multiple concerns at wide receiver, including injuries to Tre’Quan Smith and Austin Carr. The practice squad features several potential options like undrafted rookies Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Emmanuel Butler; tight ends Alize Mack and Dan Arnold; and running back/receiver hybrid Taquan Mizzell. They could also sign a free agent.
