The New Orleans Saints announced eight roster moves ahead of Week 2’s Panthers game, sidelining two players with injuries and adding four new faces to the practice squad. We knew some of these changes were coming but now we have a better idea of the state of the depth chart. Here’s what you need to know about each move:
DE Payton Turner designated to injured reserve
This was expected. Turner will be sidelined for at least the first four weeks after undergoing surgery on his injured toe, but if it’s as severe as it sounds he won’t be able to return until after the team’s Week 11 bye at the soonest.
LB Ryan Connelly designated to practice squad/injured
Connelly was an important special teams player for the Saints, even if he was on the practice squad, but he aggravated his preseason knee injury and will go on ice for a while. The rules are basically the same for players on the injured practice squad list as those on injured reserve.
WR Jontre Kirklin released from the practice squad
Kirklin was a hometown favorite who made some plays in preseason and initially returned to the practice squad after final roster cuts, but the Saints felt a need to run deeper at other position groups.
WR Lynn Bowden Jr. promoted to the 53-man roster
Bowden was brought up from the practice squad despite having not played in Week 1, and it makes sense that the Saints could be looking to audition him on punt and kickoff returns after Rashid Shaheed fumbled the opening kick return — and emerged as a legitimate weapon offensively. But they may just value Bowden as an experienced backup. We’ll see.
DE Kyle Phillips promoted to the 53-man roster
There’s room for another defensive end in the rotation with Turner going down, and the Saints preferred to bring up Phillips than Niko Lalos — while signing another backup to the practice squad, who we’ll talk about shortly.
LB Ty Summers signed to the practice squad
Summers initially made the cut for a spot on the practice squad but was let go while the Saints shuffled some other players around last week. With Connelly out with an injury, he’ll step in as another veteran backup who can help in the kicking game. He played that role very well for New Orleans late last season.
DE Terrell Lewis signed to the practice squad
Lewis is joining Niko Lalos on the practice squad with Kyle Phillips going up to the 53-man roster. He fits what the Saints look for at the position as far as athleticism and draft resume.
TE Michael Jacobson signed to the practice squad
Jacobson is one of several players who participated in a group tryout this week, and he’s one of two who the Saints chose to sign to the practice squad. He played tight end in high school but shifted focus to basketball in college, only to try and make a go at football after all. He’s been with the Seahawks and Colts.
CB Faion Hicks signed to the practice squad
The Saints brought in five cornerbacks to try out this week, and they signed the one we know the least about. Hicks was a seventh-round pick by the Broncos a year ago but didn’t find a role in their secondary before Sean Payton rode into town. We’ll see if he sticks. He and undrafted rookie Anthony Johnson are the only corners on the practice squad.
