The New Orleans Saints executed a pair of roster moves ahead of a showdown with the Vikings in Week 10.
Fullback Adam Prentice will be activated from injured reserve after practicing fully each of the past three days. Prentice hasn’t played since leaving with a knee injury in the second half of a win over the Patriots in Week 5.
The Saints have an intriguing decision to make as it pertains to his role. During his absence defensive tackle Khalen Saunders has taken on lead blocker duties in short-yardage and goal line packages. He’s been effective and has quickly become a fan favorite in that role.
It’s possible the Saints continue to utilize Saunders in select packages, while taking advantage of Prentice in more traditional blocking situations.
With Prentice’s return the Saints have waived WR Keith Kirkwood in a corresponding move. He’ll be a likely candidate to return as a member of the practice squad, having spent a majority of the past two seasons in New Orleans, often in that capacity.
On the opposite side, there will be no return from IR this week for Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The Louisiana native will miss his fifth consecutive week despite returning to practice this week as he works back from a hamstring injury. NFL teams have 21 days from a player’s return to practice before they have to add that player to the active roster. The Vikings have won all four games since Jefferson went down with the injury.
With Jefferson’s absence the Saints will have to focus on rookie Jordan Addison, who has been Minnesota’s leading receiver and has already racked up 7 touchdowns on the year.
The Saints (5-4) and Vikings (5-4) face off at noon Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
