Tag: news

Saints make several roster moves before MNF game vs. Colts

The New Orleans Saints claimed Janoris Jenkins off of waivers, promoted Taylor Stallworth and T.J. Green from the practice squad on Monday.

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The New Orleans Saints shuffled their 53-man roster and 10-man practice squad on Monday, hours before their prime-time kickoff with the Indianapolis Colts. Here’s the breakdown.

Veteran cornerback Johnson Bademosi was designated to the injured reserve list, after having suddenly appeared on the Saints injury report with a foot ailment. That held him out of practice on Saturday and apparently ended his season, which is a big blow to the Saints special teams units.

Additionally, New Orleans waived journeyman defensive tackle T.Y. McGill. McGill once played for Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen at North Carolina State, and their brief reunion was a cool storyline. However, the Saints saw enough out of the players on their practice squad to give them the nod for Monday night’s game.

Second-year nose tackle Taylor Stallworth was called up from the Saints practice squad after outperforming McGill in practice over the last week; he logged 300-plus snaps a year ago before exceptional depth along the defensive line demoted him this season. He’s a big body with NFL experience, and should help fill the void left by Sheldon Rankins, who also landed on injured reserve last week after injuring his ankle early against the San Francisco 49ers.

Additionally, the Saints promoted practice squad defensive back T.J. Green. Green figures to contribute immediately on special teams in Bademosi’s place, though injuries to the secondary could force the Saints to get him onto the field sooner than planned. Starting strong safety Vonn Bell and backup cornerback Patrick Robinson were both preemptively ruled out for this game.

The Saints also added a new player, claiming ex-New York Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins off of waivers. But because they play on Monday night, Jenkins will not join his new team until Tuesday, when they will be required to waive another player in a corresponding move. They attempted to claim former Arizona Cardinals and Baltimore Ravens pass rusher Terrell Suggs, but were denied by the Kansas City Chiefs, who had a higher waiver claim priority. It’s not ideal to be tweaking the roster so often this late in the season, but injuries and subpar positional play have forced New Orleans’ hand. At least they’re being proactive.

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Saints tried to claim ex-Cardinals, Ravens pass rusher Terrell Suggs off waivers

The Kansas City Chiefs were awarded ex-Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals DE Terrell Suggs, but the New Orleans Saints tried to get him.

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The New Orleans Saints claimed veteran cornerback Janoris Jenkins off of waivers from the New York Giants on Monday, but they nearly added a second playmaker in Terrell Suggs. The former Arizona Cardinals and Baltimore Ravens pass rusher was claimed by the Kansas City Chiefs after being waived last week, but the Saints were one of four teams to try and pick him up.

As first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Saints and Chiefs were joined by the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks in making waiver claims for the experienced sack artist. Because the Chiefs had the worst record of the group at 10-4 (a win percentage of .714), they were awarded Suggs.

He’ll arrive in Kansas City just hours after news broke that former Saints defensive end Alex Okafor, now with the Chiefs, would miss the rest of the season with a pectoral injury. It’s brutal news for Okafor, who recovered from an Achilles injury and bet on himself to play for a new contract with the Saints last year, ultimately earning a three-year, $18 million contract with Kansas City. It’s disappointing to see his year end this way, but at least he’s already secured the bag.

The Saints being interested in Suggs makes plenty of sense, especially in the wake of injuries to defensive linemen Marcus Davenport and Sheldon Rankins. They’ve already added a pass rusher with NFL experience in Noah Spence, but there’s no confusing him for Suggs; the 13-year veteran logged 5.5 sacks and 7 quarterback hits in 13 games with the Cardinals this year, adding to his career total of 138 sacks. It’ll be interesting to see how the Saints adapt to life out on the edge without Davenport starting opposite Cameron Jordan.

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Colts’ T.Y. Hilton a game-time decision vs. Saints, but ‘trending in the right direction’

The Indianapolis Colts are hoping to play star wide receiver T.Y. Hilton against the New Orleans Saints, but it’s far from certain.

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The Indianapolis Colts offense could get a huge boost on Monday night for their game with the New Orleans Saints. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that veteran Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton is expected to be a game-time decision to play against New Orleans, with team medical staff wanting to see how his injured calf responds during pregame warmups.

Hilton returned to Colts practice on a limited basis last week after missing Indianapolis’ last two games; the speedster is averaging a career-low 10.8 yards per reception in 2019, but he remains the focal point of their offense when healthy. His 5.0 receptions per game and 54.0 receiving yards per game set the pace for the rest of the team, and his 5 touchdown catches ties number-two receiver Zach Pascal for the lead (despite having played just 7 games this year). If his injured calf responds well on the Mercedes-Benz Superdome turf, he’ll be a big threat for the Saints defense to counter.

How would the Saints defend Hilton if he plays? The easy answer would be to assign number-one cornerback Marshon Lattimore to him, with Eli Apple covering Pascal from the other spot. But things could be shaken up with the loss of starting safety Vonn Bell, which pushes rookie defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson into the lineup in Bell’s place. Gardner-Johnson has shared time with P.J. Williams in slot coverage duties throughout the season, and the Colts make a point of rotating various receiving options (including tight ends and running backs) into that alignment to create defensive mismatches.

And as Rapoport said, Hilton will not be playing at full health if he does suit up. There’s a chance the Saints don’t assign any specific coverage to him if he is able to go, given his condition, but that runs the danger of underestimating the impact he can have. There’s absolutely a scenario where he’s able to catch a Saints cornerback at unawares and get behind them for a big gain. New Orleans has to be ready for anything with Hilton and the Colts backed up against a wall, with their season on the line.

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Saints claim veteran CB Janoris Jenkins off of waivers from the Giants

The New Orleans Saints claimed veteran cornerback Janoris Jenkins after he was waived by the New York Jenkins with an injury designation.

The New Orleans Saints claimed veteran cornerback Janoris Jenkins off of waivers from the New York Giants on Monday, as first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo. Because the Saints play on Monday night against the Indianapolis Colts, the formal acquisition of Jenkins and corresponding roster move will be delayed until Tuesday.

Jenkins was waived by the Giants with an injury designation after injuring his ankle during a recent game with the Philadelphia Eagles. His release also followed a social media dust-up between Jenkins and another user while he was receiving medical treatment during Giants practice.

Hopefully that sort of misbehavior is behind him. Jenkins was arguably New York’s best defensive player this season, having racked up a team-leading 14 passes defensed (including 4 interceptions) in just 13 games.

He’ll be reunited with former Giants teammate and Saints cornerback Eli Apple, and may push Apple for the starting job opposite Marshon Lattimore. Apple had success earlier this season as the Saints’ number-two option, but recent struggles and a rash of penalties made the addition of Jenkins worth considering for New Orleans.

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Report: Sean Payton leveraged Cowboys’ interest to get new Saints contract

The Dallas Cowboys gauged Sean Payton’s interest in joining them during the offseason, which he used to re-up with the New Orleans Saints.

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The news of New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton’s five-year contract extension was forgotten in the wake of a serious hand injury to quarterback Drew Brees on that same day, but it’s important to remember as we inch towards the offseason.

Specifically, the Dallas Cowboys-centric news cycle that’s sure to dominate the spring and summer. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is poised to finally move on from lame duck coach Jason Garrett, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported this week that Payton will not be an option — because of that same contract extension. Ironically, Rapoport added that previous interest from the Cowboys played a part in Payton signing on long-term with New Orleans.

“Last year after the season, through back channels, nothing official,” Rapoport said, “the Cowboys made it known that they would be interested in Sean Payton if he was interested in them. And obviously a lot of things would have to happen. Payton considered it, he helped use that leverage to land a new contract that was actually agreed to last winter, not earlier this season.”

While Payton’s friendship with the Jones family is strong (he famously came up in their organization as an assistant to legendary coach Bill Parcells), it’s clear that after considering what Dallas has to offer, he’d like to remain friends rather than employer-and-employee. And that’s perfectly understandable. It’s just too good that Payton not only turned the Cowboys down, but used their interest to expedite negotiations with the Saints and tie him to the team even stronger than before.

The next chapter of Saints football is going to be as fascinating to watch as all the previous entries, because Payton will be there to manage it. He’ll continue to make bold in-game decisions and keep the offseason lively with gambling free agent signings and draft pick valuations. By locking himself to the Saints through 2026, he’s ensured that he’ll continue to make the rules and call the shots in New Orleans — even after Drew Brees has hung up his cleats.

Whether the next Saints quarterback is already on the roster, waiting on another NFL team, or finishing up his college career before entering the draft, fans can rest easy knowing Payton’s will be here to work with them. He’s guided the franchise through a golden age of football, delivered New Orleans its first Super Bowl, and is hard at work to go in its second Lombardi Trophy. All fans can do is enjoy the ride.

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Ex-Saints TE Dan Arnold catches his first touchdown for the Cardinals

Former New Orleans Saints tight end Dan Arnold made a huge impact for his new team, catching a touchdown for the Arizona Cardinals.

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One former New Orleans Saints player had a big day with his new squad on Sunday, when tight end Dan Arnold caught a touchdown pass from rookie Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray just before halftime in their game against the Cleveland Browns. Murray trusted Arnold to leap up high at the back corner of the end zone, and his new teammate came through — remembering to tap his toes into paydirt on his way back down to earth. Not bad for his first game in Cardinals red.

Arnold spent the better part of his first three years in the league with New Orleans, initially playing wide receiver as an undrafted prospect out of Wisconsin-Platteville before bulking up in a move to tight end. He was waived earlier this month to make room for backup linebacker Manti Te’o, and the Cardinals didn’t hesitate to snap him up off of waivers on Dec. 5.

While it’s a shame that things didn’t work out better for Arnold and the Saints, it’s great to see him thrive as he continues to find his way in the league. This was a huge play for Arnold, and bodes well for the next leg of his NFL career. See it for yourself:

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Behind Enemy Lines: 5 questions asked and answered with Colts Wire

The New Orleans Saints want to rebound on “Monday Night Football” against the Indianapolis Colts, but that could be easier said than done.

The New Orleans Saints are looking to rebound in a big way this week on “Monday Night Football” against the Indianapolis Colts, but that could be easier said than done. To get the best-informed takes on the Saints’ next opponent, we reached out to our friends at Colts Wire and shared a question-and-answer session with mangaing editor Kyle Hickey. Here’s what he had to say:

1. Andrew Luck’s retirement sent shockwaves around the league. How has Jacoby Brissett performed this year? Is he the long-term answer at quarterback for the Colts, or could they be a team that tries to sign Teddy Bridgewater in free agency?

KH: Brissett has handled an impossible situation with class and elegance. Replacing a franchise QB is never easy and has done so admirably off of the field. When it comes to his play on the field, it is difficult to say that he is the long-term answer. While he has the intelligence, arm talent and pocket mobility to be a successful starter in the league, there have been some concerns that show he isn’t ready to be a franchise guy. There are struggles with timing and anticipation throughout the season, and he’s been far too conservative when throwing. That’s great to keep his turnover totals down, but the offense has seen a dramatic drop off in explosive plays. They could be in the market for a quarterback this offseason, but it is much more likely they look to the draft his replacement.

2. Quenton Nelson is a superstar, which isn’t a word used to describe many guards. But how well do the Colts play up front as a group? The Saints defensive line is loaded with talent, even after losing two starting-quality players this week to injuries (Marcus Davenport and Sheldon Rankins).

KH: The offensive line is the best position group the Colts have. They’ve been mostly consistent this season in pass protection and run blocking. The left side of the line is elite with Anthony Castonzo and the aforementioned Nelson. Center Ryan Kelly is above average when healthy. The weakness is at right guard with Mark Glowinski, who has regressed incredibly while right tackle Braden Smith has been more good than bad. This unit is how the Colts win games, which means they will need to be near-perfect on Monday.

3. If T.Y. Hilton isn’t ready to return just yet from his calf injury, who should the Saints look to defend as the go-to receiving option when the Colts drop back to pass?

KH: Hilton is questionable for the matchup. If he can’t go, the top wide receiver in the room is Zach Pascal, who has enjoyed a semi-breakout in 2019. He’s a reliable possession receiver and is carving out a role in the offense. Wide receivers Marcus Johnson and Dontrelle Inman (just re-signed) will also be in the mix on Monday. Don’t be surprised if tight end Jack Doyle is targeted heavily as well.

4. Darius Leonard is one of the league’s fastest-rising talents at linebacker, just like a player the Saints faced last week in 49ers stud Fred Warner. What makes Leonard so special? Will he be up to the task of playing chess with Drew Brees?

KH: Leonard brings everything you want in today’s linebacker. He has incredible instincts, closing speed and is arguably the best tackling linebacker in the game. He’s nicknamed “The Maniac” for a reason. He will get a really tough task across from Brees, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Brees have a few plays that out-smart Leonard. That said, the All-Pro linebacker will also have his share of big plays whether they come from a blitz or punching a ball out of a receiver’s hands.

5. Finally, who’s winning this one? Will the Colts defense be able to slow down the Saints? What’s your final score prediction?KH: The Colts are in a really bad place having lost five of their last six. The Saints are rolling even after their exciting loss against the 49ers. I think the Saints take this one pretty easily, 31-20.

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C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Marcus Williams fined for penalties vs. 49ers

Nearly $60,000 in fines were handed by the NFL to New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers players after last week’s physical showdown.

The NFL issued fines for multiple players following last week’s physical showdown between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers, with both sides accumulating $66,677 in fines after actions that drew penalties and caused some players to exit the game.

49ers cornerback Akhello Withershpoon was hit with a $28,075 fine after he concussed Saints tight end Jared Cook on a helmet-to-helmet collision late in the first quarter, per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. That amount is the minimum players can be penalized for as a first offense when committing impermissible use of the helmet; a second offense would cost him $56,156. Cook entered the NFL concussion protocol after that play, and did not return to the game, though the Saints expect him to suit up for Monday night’s game with the Indianapolis Colts.

On the Saints’ side, rookie defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson was also fined $28,075 after a helmet-to-helmet hit on 49ers fullback Kyle Jusczyk, per a report from Amie Just of Nola.com. Gardner-Johnson was midway through the act of tackling Jusczyk around his waist when the fullback slid to the ground, clashing helmets with the defender. The rookie had previously been fined $21,000 for an illegal hit against Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, which he contested.

Additionally, Just reported that third-year safety Marcus Williams drew a $10,527 fine following a face mask penalty during his end-of-game tackle of 49ers tight end George Kittle. Kittle’s long catch-and-run reception would have scored a touchdown if Williams had not stopped him — even doing so illegally — so this is one foul he’ll have to grudgingly accept.

All-star wide receiver Michael Thomas was struck with his own $10,527 fine for a face mask penalty against the Atlanta Falcons earlier this year, so they’re in this boat together. A second offense of this nature would climb to a $21,056, so it’s obviously not an experience either of them is eager to repeat.

The only silver lining here is what the NFL and NFL Players Association agree to do with the money collected by fining players: it is used to benefit the medical costs and post-football careers of retired players through the Gene Upshaw Players Association’s Players Assistance Trust and NFL Player Care Foundation.

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5-star visitor adds to Georgia’s star-studded weekend

Georgia football is hosting a plethora of big name recruiting targets this weekend.

This weekend shaped up to be a big recruiting one for the Georgia Bulldogs.

5-star cornerback Kelee Ringo and 4-star wide receiver Arian Smith tweeted that they would be in Athens earlier.

4-star defensive tackle Jalen Carter also tweeted the same on Friday night.

And now, via his Snapchat, 5-star defensive end Jordan Burch has announced he will also be in Athens on Saturday.

Burch, a 6-5 275 pounder out of Columbia, South Carolina, is considered a Clemson lean at the moment.

He’s is the No. 5 overall prospect and the No. 2 strong-side defensive end in 247Sports rankings.

Georgia also just made an in-home visit to 4-star DB and former LSU commit Major Burns.

Additionally, there’s a few more coming to town this this weekend including 4-star CB Dontae Manning and 4-star DL commit Warren Brinson.

Saints announce uniform combination for Week 15 vs. Colts

The New Orleans Saints will wear black jerseys and black pants in their Week 15 game against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football

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The New Orleans Saints revealed the uniform combination they will wear during their Week 15 game on “Monday Night Football” against their Indianapolis Colts: black jerseys paired with black pants. The announcement was made in a post from the team’s official Twitter account, which included a brief video of running back Alvin Kamara celebrating a big play in EA Sports’ Madden NFL 20. You can find it where it’s embedded below, or by clicking this link.

It’s been a common look this season, with the Saints most recently using it in last week’s game with the San Francisco 49ers (and six times this season in total, going 4-2).

For curious fans: the black-on-Black combo look carries a solid win percentage in the modern era, going back in 2006. We’d be remiss to not mention the alternate gold jerseysused during a 2002 game against the Minnesota Vikings, which they lost 32-31. The gold jerseys haven’t been seen again.

Here is every uniform combination used by the Saints during the Sean Payton era, listed by winning percentage:

  • White jerseys, white pants: 3-0 (1.000)
  • “Color Rush” alternates: 6-2 (.750)
  • Black and gold throwbacks: 2-1 (.667)
  • Black jerseys, gold pants: 23-13 (.639)
  • White jerseys, black pants: 38-25 (.603)
  • Black jerseys, black pants: 40-27 (.597)
  • White jerseys, gold pants: 31-24 (.564)

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