The Saints had already cut down to 85 players well ahead of Tuesday's deadline, but one of the players still on the roster was sent to the COVID list this week.
Cornerback KeiVarae Russell was a "COVID positive," coach Sean Payton said after Tuesday's practice. He'll be assigned to the COVID reserve list, and won't count against the team's roster limit until he's removed from the list.
Russell, who was signed earlier in the offseason, didn't log a snap against the Ravens in the preseason opener and wasn't at practice Sunday or Tuesday. It's unclear how long he'll be inactive, but his absence does open up a roster slot should the team decide to sign a player in the meantime.
That spot could, and likely will, be used on a kicker, with the team releasing recently signed Brett Maher after he reportedly suffered an injury during warmups before facing the Ravens. Kicker Wil Lutz is also still on the active roster after undergoing surgery to address a core muscle injury, and he's expected to miss the start of the season.
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