We’re closing in on the New Orleans Saints’ Week 12 kickoff with the division-rival Atlanta Falcons, and the black and gold filed a series of last-second roster moves to put the finishing touches on their gameday roster. So who’s up? Who’s down? And who’s been let go? Let’s dive into each transaction and what they mean for Sunday’s matchup.
WR Dante Pettis elevated from the practice squad
Pettis has been the go-to returns specialist on punts and kickoffs after Kendre Miller suffered a season-ending injury and Rashid Shaheed was traded to start November. It makes sense to keep him up on game days. This is the second time this season Pettis has been designated for a standard elevation, so the Saints will get to make that move one more time before they’re forced to sign him to the 53-man roster so he can keep playing.
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OG William Sherman elevated from the practice squad
Sherman is in the same position as Pettis — he can be elevated for one more game before the Saints will have to sign him to the roster full-time. He’ll be the next man up for a battered offensive line. Just two Week 1 starters remain in left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and right guard Cesar Ruiz, so look for Sherman to back up Dillon Radunz at left guard and Luke Fortner at center. The Saints also have rookie backup Torricelli Simpkins III and former Denver Broncos draft pick (who they claimed off waivers) Xavier Truss available. Truss can play outside so he’ll be an option with Asim Richards replacing Taliese Fuaga at right tackle this week.
WR Brandin Cooks waived from the 53-man roster
For real this time. The NFL and the players’ union gave the Saints some grief over their attempts to grant Cooks the release he asked for while working around the salary cap in the process (it really all hinged on a little under $2 million in guarantees on the books for next year), and they were twice denied that move. The third time’s the charm, and Cooks will become a free agent if no team claims him. Because we’ve passed the NFL trade deadline, all players, including vested veterans like Cooks, are subject to waivers.
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OT Barry Wesley downgraded to out
Additionally, offensive tackle Barry Wesley was ruled out after initially being questionable to play. He’s been on injured reserve for most of the season with a hip issue. If he isn’t activated from injured reserve next week, he’ll be shut down for the rest of the season. We haven’t gotten a real look at him yet but more depth is always welcome on the offensive line — if Wesley can prove he’s healthy and ready to play.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints report last-second roster moves for Week 12 vs. Falcons
