Saints waive Will Clapp again days after signing him to the active roster

The New Orleans Saints have signed, waived, and re-signed offensive lineman Will Clapp 4 times in two weeks as they shuffle the roster.

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The New Orleans Saints reported just two moves on the daily NFL transactions wire Thursday: the signing of wide receiver Tommylee Lewis to their practice squad and the waiving of offensive lineman Will Clapp from the 53-man roster.

This comes just days after Clapp was signed to the roster from the practice squad, which was preceded by him first being waived on Sept. 26. That’s kind of tough to follow, so here’s the timeline laid out a little more clearly:

Sept. 26: Clapp waived from active roster
Sept. 29: Clapp signed to practice squad
Oct. 3: Clapp promoted to active roster
Oct. 8: Clapp waived from active roster (again)

So he’s been moved on and off of the team four times in the last two weeks (give or take a day). The Saints practice squad is back to its 16-man capacity (cornerback Ken Crawley and tight end Garrett Griffin reverted to it after being called up for Week 4’s game with the Detroit Lions), so it’s not immediately certain that Clapp will return. But this does suggest there’s a pattern to his transactions as the Saints work within the limits of NFL roster rules.

It’s familiar territory for them. The Saints signed, waived, and re-signed practice squad quarterback J.T. Barrett 28 times from May 2018 to October 2019, which came up just short of former wideout Andy Tanner’s record (having been involved with 29 Saints roster moves from 2011 to 2015). Clapp is someone they’re comfortable dressing for games in a pinch, but also a player the Saints trust can pass through waivers uncontested. We’ll see if the gamble pays off or if his time is already up in New Orleans.

Depending on how the Thursday injury report shakes out, Clapp’s services may no longer be needed. Left guard Andrus Peat is working to return from injury and veteran backup James Hurst just came off the NFL suspended list. They have other reserves like Cameron Tom and Calvin Throckmorton waiting on the practice squad, and a group of four free agent linemen went through a tryout earlier this week. So it’s possible that this is it for Clapp, but we won’t be shocked if he returns soon enough.

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Saints make 4 pre-game roster moves, send Ty Montgomery to injured reserve

The New Orleans Saints promoted DL Margus Hunt and WR Bennie Fowler from their practice squad to the active roster vs. the Green Bay Packers

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The New Orleans Saints completed a series of roster moves ahead of their Sunday Night Football game with the Green Bay Packers, including the call-ups of both defensive lineman Margus Hunt and wide receiver Bennie Fowler Jr. from the practice squad.

Each veteran dressed out for the Saints in the first two weeks (as is allowed by the new CBA, in a shift from previous practice squad rules) before getting promoted to the 53-man roster, so it isn’t a shock to see them get full-time deals. The Saints ruled out wide receiver Michael Thomas again in Week 3 and could be without defensive ends Trey Hendrickson and Marcus Davenport (both listed as questionable on the final injury report), so their presence is welcome.

To help make room, the Saints waived backup offensive lineman Will Clapp, who was active in Week 1 before sitting out Week 2, once the Saints activated rookie guard/center Cesar Ruiz.

Additionally: running back Ty Montgomery, who appeared on the injury report for the first time on Friday with a hamstring issue, was designated to injured reserve. Teams do not have to declare whether players on the injured reserve list are out for the season or expected to return within three weeks of inactivity (another adjustment to established rules, this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic), so it’s possibly he isn’t finished.

That leaves a pair of open spots on the 16-man practice squad, though it isn’t clear who could fill them. The Saints brought cornerback Ken Crawley (who started a number of games in New Orleans from 2016 to 2019) in for a free agent visit, and he’s practice squad-eligible with Hunt and Fowler on the active roster. But if he is re-signed, there would still be one vacancy.

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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Week 15: Reviewing the Saints’ win over the Colts

On a record-setting night for Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, there is plenty of good to go around after thrashing the Colts.

The New Orleans Saints dominated the Indianapolis Colts in prime-time during their “Monday Night Football” matchup, winning the game with a very lopsided 34-7 final score.

This victory was important for several years, highlighting more than a need to just get-back-on-track after last week’s crushing loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Tough defensive efforts, a solid showing from the special teams units, and a fantastic offensive performance allowed the Saints to show fans something they haven’t seen this season: an all-around team win.

The Good (Great, really): Drew Brees

Let’s just get this out of the way now: Brees eclipsed Peyton’s Manning’s record for career passing touchdowns, and did so in spectacular fashion. En route to that record-breaking play, the Hall of Fame-bound quarterback also completed 29 of his 30 passes, marking a completion percentage of 96.7%; that’s another record broken on the evening.

Brees has been great this year, and he’s now posted back-to-back performances with 300-plus passing yard and four touchdown lobs. The ageless gunslinger is picking up steam at the right time as the Saints move towards the playoffs.

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Saints rule out Vonn Bell, four others on final Colts injury report

The final injury report for Week 15‘a Monday Night Football game between the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts ruled out Vonn Bell.

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The New Orleans Saints are set to faceoff against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football in Week 15. There have been numerous questions surrounding the defense, the offensive line, and tight end Jared Cook. The final injury report has provided clarity on those issues.

On the Colts side of the house, wide receiver T.Y. Hilton will be a game time decision on Monday night.

New Orleans is playing for the first seed, and a first round bye in the NFC. Indianapolis represents the first chance for the Saints to get back on track after a heartbreaker of a loss in Week 14 to the San Francisco 49ers.

Any changes to Friday’s practice status are noted in bold text, and players listed without likelihood of playing on Monday (whether they are Out or Questionable) should be considered ready to go. Here’s what we’ve learned.

From the Saints

TE Jared Cook (Concussion), Full
OL Will Clapp (Elbow), Full
LB A.J. Klein (Knee), Full
FB Zach Line (Knee), Full
OL Andrus Peat (Arm), Did not participate, OUT
OL Terron Armstead (Ankle), Full
LB Kiko Alonso (Thigh), Did not participate, OUT
DE Cameron Jordan (Abdomen), Full
S Vonn Bell (Knee), Did not participate, OUT
CB Patrick Robinson (Calf), Did not participate, OUT
QB Drew Brees (Right Elbow) Full
CB/ST Johnson Bademosi (Foot) OUT

From the Colts

WR TY Hilton (Calf), Did not participate, Questionable
CB Pierre Desir (Groin), Full, Questionable
CB Kenny Moore (Ankle), Did not participate, OUT
G/T Le’Raven Clark, Full
DT/DE Denico Autry (Rest), Did not participate
T Anthony Castonzo (Rest) Did not participate
S Clayton Geathers (Rest) Did not participate
DE Justin Houston (Rest) Did not participate
DE Jabaal Sheard (Rest) Did not participate

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Drew Brees listed on Saints-Colts injury report, Jared Cook upgraded to full practice

The New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts updated their injury report, with Drew Brees and Jared Cook in on full practice participation.

The New Orleans Saints have had a rash of injuries recently, as evidenced by Thursday’s injury report. Ahead of their Week 15 clash with the Indianapolis Colts on “Monday Night Football,” the Saints had one of their longest injury reports of the season.

All eyes will be on the defense, with players such as defensive end Cameron Jordan (limited), safety Vonn Bell (did not participate), and linebacker A.J. Klein (limited) each managing injuries. The health of the offensive line is also a concern; left tackle Terron Armstead and backup guard Will clapp were limited, while left guard Andrus Peat is not practicing yet. Quarterback Drew Brees also appeared on the injury report after taking a hit in the final drive of the Week 14 game against the San Francisco 49ers. However, he was a full participant. Tight end Jared Cook was also upgraded to full practice participation while returning from last week’s concussion.

Indianapolis is not without their own injury woes. Star wideout T.Y. Hilton has dealt with a calf issue that has seen him miss time since Week 8 of the season. However, he could potentially return to the field against New Orleans in Week 15.

Here’s what we learned on Thursday’s injury report. Because the Saints are playing on Monday instead of the usual Sunday, this week’s injury reports will be issued on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday — so check back often for updates. Changes to each subsequent injury report will be denoted with bold text.

From the Saints

TE Jared Cook (Concussion), Full
OL Will Clapp (Elbow), Limited
LB A.J. Klein (Knee), Limited
FB Zach Line (Knee), Limited
OL Andrus Peat (Arm), Did not participate
OL Terron Armstead (Ankle), Limited
LB Kiko Alonso (Thigh), Did not participate
DE Cameron Jordan (Abdomen), Limited
S Vonn Bell (Knee), Did not participate
CB Patrick Robinson (Calf), Did not participate
QB Drew Brees (Right Elbow) Full

From the Colts

WR TY Hilton (Calf), Limited
CB Pierre Desir (Groin), Limited
CB Kenny Moore (Ankle), Did not participate
G/T Le’Raven Clark NIR

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Saints starting Patrick Omameh at left tackle in relief of Terron Armstead

The New Orleans Saints went with veteran NFL guard Patrick Omameh to start at left tackle in relief of injured All-Pro Terron Armstead.

The New Orleans Saints had a tough decision to make at left tackle, with injured starter Terron Armstead inactive after suffering a high-ankle sprain a week ago. His top backup, left guard Andrus Peat, was also inactive after having his broken arm surgically repaired a few weeks ago (veteran backup Nick Easton will get his third start in Peat’s place). The Atlanta Falcons sacked Saints quarterback Drew Brees six times in their first meeting with Armstead and Peat both in the lineup, so the Saints obviously hope to turn in a better performance despite having to start multiple backups.

New Orleans had two options available between veteran guard Patrick Omameh and undrafted rookie Ethan Greenidge; facing that decision, the Saints went with the player who has the most NFL experience. Omameh has started full seasons in the NFL for several different teams at both left and right guard, but this game will be his first long-exposure look at left tackle.

Greenidge is active for the first time this year, and he figures to get on the field occasionally as a top reserve along with backup guard/center Will Clapp. Greenidge started 40-plus games in college at Villanova, largely at left tackle, so he does offer some experience in that role even if it’s been limited to the college game.

If worst comes to worst and the Falcons defensive front overruns all options (or, knock on wood, another injury strikes) the Saints can always call on all-star right tackle Ryan Ramczyk to flip back to his college position on the left side. But doing so would require someone else to step into Ramczyk’s spot, which would only introduce new problems and more instability across the board. It’s why the Saints gave Omameh the start and activated Greenidge. Here’s hoping the Saints can have this game well in hand soon enough that they don’t have to consider it.

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PFF grades Nick Easton as the Saints’ best offensive player vs. Bucs

The analysts at Pro Football Focus singled out left guard Nick Easton as the best New Orleans Saints player against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers boasted the NFL’s best run defense, but it didn’t matter against a New Orleans Saints offensive line that bullied them on Sunday. It’s not uncommon to see the Saints’ big blockers doing damage up front — four of the unit’s five starters were recognized at last year’s Pro Bowl or on the All-Pro lists. But what’s unexpected is how well the unit’s newest addition performed.

According to snap-by-snap charting from Pro Football Focus, backup left guard Nick Easton was the best Saints player on offense. Their grading system credited him with an 83.5 overall mark (third-best in the league this week, going into Monday Night Football) and a no-hitter in pass protection, with 37 snaps logged against the Buccaneers pass rush but no quarterback pressures allowed. Easton’s aggressiveness on run plays was a big part of New Orleans’ success, with the veteran often moving the man across from him before advancing to the second level.

Fans couldn’t have hoped for a better NFL debut for Easton in black and gold, especially given his lack of playing-time so far. Easton signed a four-year, $22.5 million contract with the Saints in the spring but had only played a handful of snaps on special teams going into Week 11. An unfortunate injury to starting left guard Andrus Peat opened the door for Easton to get on the field.

There was some debate among fans about who would start in Peat’s place, though Easton was the popular pick. The doubt surrounded his lack of appearances going into Sunday’s game. Easton was a healthy scratch in six of the Saints’ first nine games, with backups Will Clapp and Patrick Omameh ahead of him on the depth chart. Clapp and Omameh have the versatility to play both guard and tackle (and Clapp has proven he can hold it down at center in a pinch), but Easton’s limitations at guard and center kept him on the bench until the Saints needed him.

And they’re happy to have him. Saints coach Sean Payton can be counted among the group that was impressed by Easton’s performance, saying after the game, “He has been getting a lot of practice reps, but there wasn’t a lot of discussion. We felt like he was going to be the starting left guard. That gave us the ability to keep Will Clapp in his role. Nick [Easton] has played a lot of football in our league — he has started a lot of games. I am anxious to see the film because I think he played pretty well.”

Peat is going to be out about five more weeks while recovering from surgery on his broken arm, so that gives Easton plenty of opportunities to make plays for New Orleans. If he keeps up the pace he started with against Tampa Bay, he might just hold onto the starting job if Peat leaves in free agency in the offseason.

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Nick Easton gets the start at left guard for the Saints

The New Orleans Saints started veteran left guard Nick Easton in relief of injured starter Andrus Peat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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The New Orleans Saints are without starting left guard Andrus Peat for about six weeks following surgery on his broken arm, so they turned to veteran Nick Easton to fill in for him. It’s a surprising decision only in the sense that Easton hasn’t taken a single snap on offense since the Saints signed him to a four-year, $22.5 million contract earlier this year. Before Sunday’s game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Easton was a healthy scratch in six of the Saints’ first nine games.

Instead, New Orleans has preferred to activate backups Will Clapp and Patrick Omameh. That’s probably due to Clapp’s upside in overloaded offensive line sets, putting him out on the edge next to left tackle Terron Armstead or right tackle Ryan Ramczyk. Omameh can play both guard and tackle, making him a go-to reserve. That lack of versatility (Easton has only played center and left guard in the NFL) may help explain the decision to keep an expensive free agent on the bench after younger players like Peat and rookie center Erik McCoy won starting jobs ahead of him.

So now Easton is in the lineup, and he’s done a good job of avoiding mistakes early in the game against Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers have a decent pass rush that’s improved with the addition of Jason Pierre-Paul, so he’ll have his work cut out for him as the afternoon continues.

It’s a big opportunity for Easton outside of the immediate playing-time he’s getting in relief of Peat. Peat is a free agent in the spring and likely going to earn a contract near the top of the market; if Easton plays well, he has to be the favorite to take Peat’s spot at left guard in the long-term. His contract features just $4 million in guarantees, making it a much more affordable deal for New Orleans than the totals may suggest. How he performs over the next six weeks could end up being even more important than it appears at first glance. He’s playing for his future.

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What will the Saints do without Andrus Peat?

The New Orleans Saints lost starting guard Andrus Peat for six weeks, putting Will Clapp and Nick Easton in the driver’s seat to replace him

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The New Orleans Saints offensive line took a hit on Wednesday when starting left guard Andrus Peat underwent surgery to repair a broken arm, putting him on the sidelines for about six weeks. So where do they go from here?

Peat’s immediate replacement is backup guard Will Clapp, who filled in for him during Sunday’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Clapp is a second-year player out of LSU with experience at both guard and center, though the Saints prefer him at guard. He allowed a few sacks to the swarming Falcons defense after being rushed into action.

Another name to watch out for is Patrick Omameh, who has been the final active lineman on most game days despite slotting in as a reserve after Clapp. He has started full seasons before at both left and right guard, though he didn’t play at a particularly high level. The experience he does have at starting often in the NFL can’t be undersold.

Additionally, the Saints can try and get some return on the investment they made in free agent blocker Nick Easton. New Orleans inked him to a four-year, $20 million contract earlier this year, though only the first year was guaranteed at the time of signing. However, Easton has been active for just three games this season, limiting his appearances to the special teams units. He obviously didn’t make a great impression on the coaching staff during the offseason.

Other candidates the Saints could look to on their roster include three rookies: Ethan Greenidge (a former left tackle for Villanova who started 43 games), Derrick Kelly (a Florida State product who played 34 games at both tackle and guard), and John Leglue (a local from Tulane who has played all five positions, plus long snapper).

To recap, here is how snap counts have shaken out for each of New Orleans’ offensive linemen through nine games, suggesting something similar to the in-house depth chart:

T Ryan Ramczyk, 609 (100%)
G Larry Warford, 609 (100%)
C Erik McCoy, 603 (99%)
T Terron Armstead, 598 (98%)
G/T Andrus Peat, 527 (86%)
G Will Clapp, 161 (26%)
G Patrick Omameh, 16 (2%)
G/C Nick Easton, inactive
T Ethan Greenidge, inactive
T/G Derrick Kelly, practice squad
T/G John Leglue, practice squad

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Andrus Peat expected to miss six weeks with a broken arm

The New Orleans Saints lost starting left guard Andrus Peat to a broken arm against the Atlanta Falcons, and he’s expected to miss six weeks

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Bad news hit the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting that left guard Andrus Peat suffered a broken arm in Sunday’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Peat went through surgery Wednesday and the team expects him to be sidelined for six weeks, per Schefter’s report. That would put him on the shelf until their Dec. 22 game with the Tennessee Titans.

It’s a big loss for the Saints. Despite his inconsistent level of play, Peat was their best option to start at left guard as well as the immediate backup for left tackle Terron Armstead. He’ll likely be replaced by his own backup, second-year pro Will Clapp, though free-agent signee Nick Easton should also be a candidate to get playing time. Easton has been a healthy scratch in six of nine games after signing a four-year, $20 million contract with New Orleans earlier this year.

It couldn’t come at a worse time for Peat, who is scheduled to test free agency in the spring. The 25-year-old is playing out the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, guaranteeing him $9.625 million in 2019. The sad state of offensive line play around the league means he’ll have plenty of bidders looking to pay him to start at either left tackle or left guard, and probably put him out of New Orleans’ price range even with this injury.

And injury concerns are something that has dogged Peat throughout his career: he’s never played a 16-game season, despite coming close in both 2016 and 2017 with 15 games played in each outing, though his 2017 season ended with a broken leg. He missed three games in 2018 due to a sprained ankle, concussion, and broken hand, but made the Pro Bowl as an alternate. A growing list of injuries, poor positional fits (the Saints tried him out at both tackle and guard on each side of the line before settling at left guard), and a probably-high price tag mean his days in New Orleans may be numbered.

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