Saints release wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith from injured reserve

In a bit of a surprise move, the New Orleans Saints released wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith from injured reserve. ESPN’s Field Yates first reported the news:

Well this was unexpected. ESPN’s Field Yates reports that the New Orleans Saints have released veteran wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith from injured reserve, making him a free agent. Smith missed most of training camp with a groin muscle injury and started the season on injured reserve so he could continue to heal up; he would have been eligible for activation after Week 4’s game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday.

Instead, Smith has been let go. He’s now a free agent and can sign with any team should he pass a physical. It’s an odd situation between the timing of his release, his status as an injured player, and the coaching staff’s determination to keep him in the building for so many years despite his limited role as a blocking specialist.

Maybe they’re cooking something up. Stay tuned for updates. For now, here’s the state of their receiving corps:

  • Chris Olave
  • Michael Thomas
  • Rashid Shaheed
  • Keith Kirkwood
  • A.T. Perry
  • Lynn Bowden Jr.
  • Shaquan Davis (practice squad)

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