The New Orleans Saints completed several roster moves before their Week 15 practices got into full swing ahead of Sunday’s prime-time game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, releasing two backups from the 53-man roster as well as one of several cornerbacks on the practice squad. With three other players still in the league’s COVID-19 protocols, it leaves New Orleans with 48 of 53 roster spots and 15 of 16 practice squad openings filled.
Offensive lineman Will Clapp was waived on Monday and cleared waivers; he’s eligible to return to the practice squad if the Saints choose to bring him back. He was quickly replaced by veteran free agent James Carpenter (who signed with the Saints just last week), who was elevated from the practice squad ahead of Clapp and filled in as the Saints’ sixth offensive lineman against the New York Jets.
Additionally, the Saints waived rookie defensive tackle Josiah Bronson on Tuesday. Bronson had been playing sparingly in the interior line rotation behind David Onyemata, Shy Tuttle, Christian Ringo, and Albert Huggins. Malcolm Roach remains on the practice squad if Bronson doesn’t clear waivers or if the Saints choose not to bring him back.
Another player recently let go was cornerback Dylan Mabin — but since he was released from the practice squad he immediately becomes a free agent and will not have to test waivers. He hadn’t gotten many looks this season and was joined on the practice squad by defensive backs Jordan Miller, KeiVarae Russell, and Bryce Thompson.
So more moves will be on the way as these vacancies are filled, most likely with players returning from the COVID-19 list. But let’s keep an eye out for possible reinforcements coming off of injured reserve in the weeks ahead with tight end Adam Trautman and defensive ends Payton Turner and Tanoh Kpassagnon eligible to return later this season.
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