Every NFL team must finish roster cuts by 3 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Aug. 27. The New Orleans Saints’ final preseason game wrapped up on Sunday and for many players it was also their final audition.
There were 91 players on the roster for Saints training camp but only 53 will make the final roster. Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon says when Tuesday rolls around, the Saints should move on from D’Marco Jackson at linebacker:
D’Marco Jackson has faced a dilemma all summer: New Orleans signed Willie Gay, drafted Jaylan Ford and lost no major contributor at linebacker. Without a surge, Jackson would be a cut candidate. Entering the final preseason game, nothing has changed.
This doesn’t even mention the progress of Anfernee Orji or the pickup of veteran free agent Khaleke Hudson. Orji has likely snagged that first spot behind the starting unit. He impressed during last week’s matchup versus the 49ers and has had a good camp. Demario Davis, Pete Werner, and Willie Gay are safe. Ford has been dealing with an injury and could start the season on injured reserve. But the Saints typically roster five linebackers with another backup or two on the practice squad.
One thing that bodes well for Jackson is he’s a strong special teams player. That being said, he is currently dealing with an injury, and that may have made a difference. Poor timing can’t be helped. We’ll see whether the Saints ultimately keep five or six linebackers when roster cuts go through on Tuesday afternoon.
