On Saturday afternoon, the New Orleans Saints announced several moves in advance of their Week 5 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings
in the Superdome. The Saints activated two to return from injured reserve and waived two to make room for those arrivals. Additionally, New Orleans also announced two standard practice squad elevations for Sunday's game. Here is what you need to know about each Saturday transaction:S Lorenzo Styles Jr. activated from injured reserve
A fifth round choice in this springs draft, Styles had some impressive moments in training camp. He was a lock to make the roster before a calf injury landed him on injured reserve. Styles' arrival couldn't come at a better time. The Saints have struggled to cover opposing tight ends and face another good one in Minnesota's T.J. Hockenson.
Additionally, Styles has tremendous speed and the special teams experience that will help on those units.
LB Jaylan Ford activated from injured reserve
A fifth round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Ford had been little more than a special teams contributor over his first two years. During this preseason, however, Ford was playing by far the best football of his young career. It looked like he'd clearly have a role at linebacker, but an ankle injury suffered late in preseason landed him on injured reserve. The Saints will be without linebacker Kaden Elliss (calf) for the second straight week, so Ford's return could be invaluable. He will hopefully help not only in coverage duties on Hockenson, but also in aiding a run defense that ranks at the bottom of the NFL.
WR Kevin Austin Jr. and CB Decamerion Richardson waived
To make room for Styles and Ford, New Orleans announced that they had waived Austin and Richardson. Austin didn't have a big role in a wide receiver room that includes Chris Olave, Devaughn Vele, Bryce Lance, and Barion Brown. Richardson had also gotten very little playing time in the secondary, with Styles in line to get play in the defensive backfield and special teams.
WR Cedric Tillman and OL Easton Kilty elevated from practice squad
New Orleans used their weekly standard elevations on Tillman and Kilty. Tillman is likely for special teams value, with Austin not contributing on those units. The elevation of Kilty is obvious with the Saints offensive line struggles. Left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. remains out with an ankle injury and backup guard Jeremiah Wright will be out with a concussion. Asim Richards has struggled to replace Banks, and Kilty can provide depth at both guard and tackle.
DT Nathan Shepherd added to injury report
Shepherd is a new addition to the injury report. He was added on Saturday afternoon and listed as questionable for Sunday with an illness. This is one to watch closely. The Saints have not played well up front and have very little depth. So far this season, Shepherd has a half sack with 3 QB hits and 12 total tackles.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints announce roster moves in advance of Week 5 Vikings matchup
