The Saints practice squad has seemed to be in a constant state of flux in recent weeks, and the latest familiar name to join the roster will be that of veteran running back Jordan Howard.
The Saints still had not officially announced the signing of Howard, but head coach Dennis Allen acknowledged the move earlier in the day.
"First day out here, you know, really just to see what kind of shape he's in to initially start, see how well he picks up on them on the offensive scheme," Allen said. "You know, he's a big physical back that over his career's been a four-plus yards per carry runner. So, you know, I feel like he brings a physical element."
Howard rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons with the Chicago Bears but has been limited in his past four seasons, one of which came with the Miami Dolphins and the other three with the Philadelphia Eagles. Howard was very effective against the Saints during the 2021 season with 10 carries for 63 yards in the Eagles' 40-29 win. Howard was one of several running backs worked out by the Saints this week.
The Saints found themselves at a lack for a big, physical depth running back after Latavius Murray was signed by the Denver Broncos off the Saints practice squad following Week 4. Murray led the team in rushing that game as a practice squad elevation, and opted to join the Broncos with a clearer path to a significant role after a season-ending injury to Javonte Williams.
Tony Jones Jr. was also claimed off waivers by the Seahawks after being cut by the Saints. Seattle was in need of running back help due to a significant ankle injury suffered during Week 5 at the Caesars Superdome.
Allen admitted that it's been a bit of whirlwind, but that's just how things go in the league.
"You certainly can't 100% control when a guy gets claimed or if a guy that's on your practice squad chooses to sign somewhere else, but it's just part of the league and people have to deal with it," Allen said. "And [running back] just happens to be one spot on our team where other teams in the league kind of covet some of what we have there."
Another player signed off the Saints' practice squad was linebacker Eric Wilson, who is now a member of the Green Bay Packers.
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It's unlikely Howard is activated for a Week 6 matchup with the Bengals, but as we saw from Murray in London and a handful of other players, it's not unheard of for players to make an impact from that group with the elevations in today's game. Players can be brought up as many as three times during the season before they'd have to be signed from the active roster. DT Christian Ringo was one of those players earlier in the season as the team was looking for depth at the position. Veteran CB Chris Harris and WR Keith Kirkwood were both elevated this week and got on the field in key spots during the win over the Seahawks.
The name to watch in at least one of those spots for Week 6 will be Rashid Shaheed, a UDFA out of Weber State who said he'll be on punt/kick return units in place of Deonte Harty, who is dealing with a turf toe injury.
"Very excited about that opportunity," Shaheed said in the locker room Wednesday. "And to play for a guy like [special teams coach Darren Rizzi] makes it even more fun. He's a fiery guy. He believes in me, and that just gives me confidence to go out there and play."
The Saints host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6.
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