Here's a slew of roster moves from the New Orleans Saints before they kick off Sunday's game with the Cleveland Browns. The Saints have shaken up their backfield by cutting one running back and elevating another one from the practice squad (after re-signing Audric Estime, their leading rusher in the preseason, earlier this week) while activating a pair of first-round draft picks from injured reserve. And they'll have a new kicker, too. Here's what you need to know about each roster move.
RB Kendre Miller waived from the 53-man roster
Miller's career was marred by injuries and inconsistent play, but the talent was there. He just couldn't put it all together to become a complete player. It's surprising that the Saints couldn't find a partner for the former third-round pick ahead of Tuesday's
NFL trade deadline.
TE Treyton Welch waived from the 53-man roster
Welch was working as a blocking tight end for most of the season, though he was inactive for the Saints' last game with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team needs to figure out how to get more reps for third-round pick Oscar Delp and more targets for starting tight end Juwan Johnson, whose impact has diminished in recent weeks.
WR Jordyn Tyson activated from injured reserve
Tyson is set to make his NFL debut after hamstring injuries cost him a lot of time between spring training, the preseason, and the first seven regular season games. We're waiting to see just how large of a role he'll have but the Saints should give him some opportunities to make a difference on critical third downd and red zone series.
LT Kelvin Banks Jr. activated from injured reserve
Banks is returning well ahead of schedule, having undergone tightrope surgery after suffering a high ankle sprain. You worry that he's being rushed back into action but there's no question the Saints have missed him on the left side. He's a tremendous upgrade over Asim Richards (not that Kellen Moore's play calling did the backup any favors).
RB Zamir White elevated from the practice squad
With Miller out, Estime in, and Travis Etienne Jr. still sidelined by a hamstring injury, White is getting into his first game since the Saints traded for him at the end of the preseason. Alvin Kamara had a rest day this week with a back injury and CJ Donaldson is inactive due to a shoulder issue and concussion protocol. That means the Saints' only healthy backs are White and Estime. Expect Kamara to have a limited role.
K Charlie Smyth elevated from the practice squad
Patience finally wore out for journeyman kicker Daniel Carlson, and the Saints are going back to Smyth, who kicked for them last year after Blake Grupe lost the job. Smyth has a big leg and seems reliable from 50 yards out, but his accuracy at shorter distances and sharper angles has felt lacking. This is a big opportunity for the inexperienced kicker from Ireland.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints report series of last-minute roster moves for Week 9 vs. Browns
