Here we go: we’ve got the first New Orleans Saints single-game roster moves of 2022, with the black and gold taking the opportunity to elevate players from the practice squad while swapping others around. Teams are allowed to elevate two of their sixteen practice squad players each week, making them eligible to suit up for games, but there are some restrictions we’ll get to shortly. Here’s what you need to know going into Sunday’s Week 1 kickoff with he Atlanta Falcons:
DT No. 70 Christian Ringo elevated from the practice squad
This is the first of three single-game elevations for Ringo this season — if the Saints want to continue playing him after meeting that three-game limit, he’ll have to be signed to the 53-man roster and receive three weeks of guaranteed salary. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. For now, he’ll play against the Falcons and revert to the practice squad after the final whistle.
Ringo, 30, is one of four defensive tackles available to play in Atlanta on Sunday, along with rostered players David Onyemata, Shy Tuttle, and Kentavius Street. He didn’t join the team for training camp but did sign with their practice squad after final roster cuts, having appeared in 14 games with New Orleans last year. Look for him to help bridge the gap until Malcolm Roach is eligible to return from injured reserve after Week 4.
OL No. 72 Nick Martin released from the practice squad
This is a little odd. Martin is one of the most-experienced backups on the team and should land on his feet elsewhere as another team’s insurance policy at center. He could also return to New Orleans, though it’s worth noting this is the second time the team has let him go this summer (Martin was initially released during final roster cuts). But the team choosing to release him is a good sign for Erik McCoy’s health after the starting center was limited in practice with an injury this week, not practicing fully until Friday but avoiding any status designation for Week 1.
LT No. 79 Tanner Owen signed to the practice squad
Owen was claimed off of waivers from the Buffalo Bills during the final wave of NFL roster cuts, and initially landed on New Orleans’ roster as a backup behind James Hurst and Landon Young in the wake of an injury to rookie draft pick Trevor Penning. The team waived him recently to process other moves, but he successfully cleared waivers and has now re-signed with their practice squad. Interior linemen Josh Andrews and Drew Desjarlais are also on the Saints practice squad, but Owen is the only player with much experience lining up at tackle.
Players ruled out with injuries
The following players were ruled out due to injuries and will not be eligible to play in Atlanta on Sunday:
- CB No. 29 Paulson Adebo
- RB No. 24 Dwayne Washington
- WR No. 10 Tre’Quan Smith
Additionally, four other players were officially listed as questionable to play on Friday’s final injury report. It’s something to watch leading up to kickoff:
- WR No. 13 Michael Thomas (hamstring)
- S No. 32 Tyrann Mathieu (illness)
- T No. 67 Landon Young (hip)
- S No. 48 J.T. Gray (hamstring)
