The New Orleans Saints again parted ways with linebacker Stephone Anthony, one of their first-round picks back in the 2015 NFL Draft along with guard Andrus Peat. Anthony was re-signed by the team earlier this season after injuries struck the linebacker position, reuniting Anthony with special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, who coached him the last two seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network first reported Anthony’s release.
However, he could return soon. Pelissero added that the Saints waited until Wednesday to release Anthony, guaranteeing him his weekly game check for Sunday against the Chicago Bears, suggesting this may be a procedural move to open a spot on the active roster. The Saints already have one space available on the 90-man roster due to cornerback P.J. Williams’ two-week suspension, so they’ll now have two vacancies with Anthony’s departure.
Since rejoining the team that drafted him in late September, Anthony has logged 40 snaps for New Orleans in three games — all on special teams. The club’s depth at linebacker has been tested with injuries to a starter (Alex Anzalone) and rookie backup (Kaden Elliss), not to mention the three other linebackers who ended training camp on injured reserve (veterans Will Compton and Josh Martin, and second-year pro Colton Jumper).
