The Saints have until Tuesday at 3 p.m. to cut 27 names from the roster that took the field in the preseason finale, and they got a headstart on Sunday.
Six names had already been trimmed, the team announced, including a fan-favorite running back.
Those names include:
- OL Khalique Washington
- OL Derrick Kelly
- CB Quenton Meeks
- CB Brian Allen
- DT Josh Black
- RB Abram Smith
Smith, a former Baylor standout, was possibly the only surprise of that group, though his playing time in each of the preseason games could've served as an indicator of where he slotted in the RB pecking order. He looked effective in stretches, but fumbled on the goal line in the preseason opener and never seemed to be a threat to unseat either of Dwayne Washington or Tony Jones Jr., who got the majority of the early-game carries.
Related
Those players will have a chance to latch on with another team if they're claimed on waivers, but could also return to the Saints as a member of the 16-man practice squad for this season if they go unclaimed.
The Saints also announced that they had reached an injury settlement with WR Kevin White, who will be released from injured reserve.
The team will have interesting decisions to make come Tuesday, with several roster spots appearing up for grabs heading into the preseason finale, particularly at linebacker and wide receiver.