Another week, another key Saints player expected to miss extended time with an injury.
This time it's second-year running back Tony Jones, who was injured and carted off the field in the first half of a Week 4 loss to the Giants. The ankle injury he suffered is expected to keep him out at least two weeks, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Jones used an impressive preseason to establish himself in the Saints' backfield alongside Alvin Kamara, supplanting Latavius Murray. The veteran signed with the Baltimore Ravens, and has been serving as their starter due to running back injuries of their own.
Kamara was pressed into more action, particularly between the tackles, in Jones' absence. He didn't catch a ball in the game but did rack up 120 rushing yards on his 26 carries. The Saints reportedly worked out a handful of veterans for depth options, mainly in the pass-catching mold. They included Duke Johnson, Lamar Miller, Brian Hill, Ito Smith and Ryquell Armstead, Schefter reports.
That list of backs is notable for a few reasons. First, Brian Hill and Ito Smith are both former Atlanta Falcons backs. New Orleans had signed Devonta Freeman in the offseason but he was cut ahead of the initial roster.
There's also a pair of former Houston Texans running backs in Duke Johnson and Lamar Miller. Considering the Saints just pulled off a trade with the Texans, have to wonder if there's a recommendation playing in there somewhere.
The current roster features just two "running backs" in Kamara and special teams ace Dwayne Washington. Ty Montgomery is officially a wide receiver this season, but could fill in if necessary. The Saints have also been playing without starting center Erik McCoy and left tackle Terron Armstead, further complicating the running game and protection schemes.
Related
It's unclear if the Saints will place Jones on IR, but they did free up a roster spot regardless. That came with the release of Aldrick Rosas, who'd been serving as the team's kicker with Wil Lutz out recovering from offseason surgery. Rosas had missed his last three kicks attempted, two from beyond 50 yards. Sean Payton had expressed displeasure about the team's inability to kick field goals after a loss to the Giants, but Rosas' release could mean a few things.
Lutz has been eligible to come off IR since last week, but it's still unknown how far along he is in the rehab process. Rosas' release could be an indicator that he's ready to return, but we won't know the answer until later in the week. The team reportedly worked out former Bears kicker Cody Parkey, according to a report from Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.football.
It's Lutz's job to take back when he's right, but that might not be until Week 7 at the earliest, with the Saints owning a Week 6 bye. The team also has the option to bring several key players off IR this week if healthy.
Related
