[jwplayer ZnzdqH8F-ThvAeFxT]
Injuries forced the New Orleans Saints to make four roster moves on Wednesday, with defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (ankle) and defensive end Marcus Davenport (foot) both landing on injured reserve. In their place, the Saints signed veteran free agents Noah Spence, a pass rusher, and T.Y. McGill, an interior lineman.
Spence’s addition isn’t very surprising given the interest the Saints have maintained in him, going back to the months before the 2016 NFL Draft. He met with the team several times and was put through a private workout, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sniped the Saints by picking Spence before they had the chance. A history of shoulder injuries and inconsistent play — plus coaching staff turnover — resulted in Spence getting released by Tampa Bay earlier this year.
As for McGill: he may appear like a random pickup, but Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen knows him well. Nielsen coached McGill at N.C. State when they were both members of the Wolfpack from 2013 to 2014, when Nielsen held the same position on that staff while doubling as their recruiting coordinator. McGill’s N.C. State career ended with 110 tackles and 10 total sacks after benefiting from Nielsen’s tutelage, and their reunion now gives Nielsen an opportunity to see how his protege has progressed after some time in the NFL.
McGill’s early-week arrival also gives him time to prove he can play, or is at least better than the depth the Saints already have. Second-year defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth is on the practice squad after logging 300-plus snaps last season, and the Saints can promote him on game day if they feel he’s shown more than McGill has in practice. If McGill impresses, they can hold onto both players.
Because the Saints play on ‘Monday Night Football’ with the Indianapolis Colts this week, their practice schedule and injury report rollout are going to be arriving a day later than fans are used to. So we won’t find out much more on any of these players until the first Saints injury report is released on Thursday, rather than the typical Wednesday.
[lawrence-related id=24363,24331,24340]
[vertical-gallery id=24372]