The New Orleans Saints received a big reinforcement late Tuesday afternoon, with defensive tackle David Onyemata being officially reinstated by the NFL following his one-week suspension. To create a roster spot for Onyemata, the official NFL transactions wire listed defensive lineman Mitchell Loewen as having been waived. The Saints promoted Loewen from the practice squad hours before their Week 1 game against the Houston Texans, and likely expect him to return to it should he clear waivers.
Onyemata’s return is a huge upgrade for the Saints, who were without their top three options at his position on the depth chart. Starting defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is working his way back from injury, Onymeata (who was really a co-starter last year, playing 616 snaps against Rankins’ 642) was suspended, and the free agent signed to replace both of them, Mario Edwards Jr., missed Week 1 with a hamstring injury.
In his place, the Saints rolled out a platoon including Loewen, undrafted rookie Shy Tuttle, and at times played two nose tackles in Malcom Brown and Taylor Stallworth, or moved edge rushers Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport inside. It was every bit a team effort.
Now, the Saints will be getting Onyemata back and into the starting lineup for a defense that currently leads the NFL in sacks (6) and is tied for the second-most quarterback hits (11). Onyemata has been more of a disruptive pass rusher than consistent sack threat in the NFL, logging 37 pressures last year but just 4 sacks. But with a clear starting role in hand (until Rankins is back) and the motivation of playing in a contract year, Onyemata could end up being one of the team’s best pass rushers.
