The New Orleans Saints waived running back Tony Jones Jr. to make room on the 53-man roster for another offensive lineman, promoting Tommy Kraemer from their practice squad — meaning they’ll go into Week 5’s matchup with the New England Patriots while dangerously thin at running back.
Now that Jones (whose pair of touchdown runs in Week 2 make up half of the Saints’ offensive touchdowns scored this season) is off the roster, New Orleans is left with just two running backs available to play Sunday at New England: Alvin Kamara (49 snaps last week) and Kendre Miller (5 snaps in Week 4). Jones was limited to just 11 snaps on offense last Sunday once Kamara returned from suspension. It’ll be a few more weeks until Jamaal Williams is eligible to return from injured reserve.
As for Kraemer: the former Detroit Lions backup worked at both guard spots for the Saints this summer, primarily on the right side. He was quickly re-signed to the practice squad after roster cuts in August and has hung around ever since. The Saints could be thin at guard with Andrus Peat (concussion) and James Hurst (hip) both questionable to play tomorrow due to injuries, so Kraemer’s services may be needed. Their only other healthy guards are Cesar Ruiz, part-time center Max Garcia, and rookie draft pick Nick Saldiveri.
