The preseason is over and now the Saints have to trim their roster down to 53 by Tuesday at 3 p.m.
There is a lot that goes into a team’s initial roster. Factors include health at key positions, other team rosters, and you might even keep a player on the initial 53 in order to keep him off waivers until after Week 1 is complete.
Here are some players that I think helped their case and hurt their case in the finale win over the L.A. Chargers.
HELPED
QB Ian Book
I have been tough on Ian Book throughout the preseason. Here is where he helped his case. First: Zero turnovers. Second: Every single snap got into his hands without issue. That’s a major step, right? Sarcasm aside, Book looked like he belonged, going 11 of 15 through the air for 81 yards and a touchdown. Book also used his legs well again to move the chains, with a team-high 50 yards on 7 rushing attempts.
WR Kirk Merritt
The local young man from the River Parishes had four catches for 32 yards and a touchdown in the preseason finale. The Saints have used him as a running back and receiver during training camp. His speed and ability to give the Saints some return game ability makes him valuable. Merritt is a prime candidate for the practice squad.
LB Eric Wilson
The veteran backer led the Saints defense with 6 tackles, including 1 TFL. Pete Werner has been shelved with a groin injury throughout much of the preseason and Wilson looks like the logical choice to play opposite Demario Davis Week 1 if Werner can’t go. He’s a veteran that once logged 120 tackles in a season, back in 2020 with the Vikings.
HURT
WR Tre’Quan Smith
Come on Kristian, cut the guy some slack, right? Nope! I have been very critical of Smith going back to the OTA and minicamp practices. Smith has been playing a lot in the second half during the preseason. That’s never a good sign for a veteran. Smith doesn’t play in the kicking game, he hasn’t done anything in the preseason, and now he’s dealing with a shoulder injury. I would be shocked if he makes the Saints final roster.
DE Taco Charlton
The former 1st round pick of the Dallas Cowboys could be on his last leg. Charlton hasn’t done much to stand out in the preseason and make a good case the Saints should keep him. To be fair, Charlton did notch a sack in the pre-season against the Packers, but he should’ve had a bigger impact. He’s the odd man out. The Saints have too much talent at defensive end. Taco is coming off the menu.
Related
LB Nephi Sewell
The Samoan American linebacker is a fast dude, but he tends to overrun plays. The good thing is I think he has the skill to develop into a good player. Sewell had some opportunities against the Chargers but just didn’t cash in. The former safety is a player the Saints clearly like a lot. He is destined for the practice squad. Watch him close. Sewell could turn into a major find.
Lagniappe: Here we go! The regular season is just about 2 weeks away. The Saints have to clean up the penalties. 27 penalties in 3 preseason games is an average of 9 per game, and that just won’t get it done. It’s not winning football. If the yellow flags follow them into the regular season, this talented Saints roster will be a very frustrating team to watch.