Saints RB Woes Deepen: Key Players Let Go

The New Orleans Saints are experiencing a shortage at running back, exacerbated by decisions to release players who are now with other teams. Last week, backup running backs Devin Neal and Audric Estime were cut from injured reserve and subsequently signed to the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad.

This situation became more critical after starting running back Travis Etienne Jr. sustained a hamstring injury that will keep him out until the team's bye week in November. Both Neal and Estime had injury settlements, meaning they are now healthy and playing elsewhere.

Coach Kellen Moore explained the choices as necessary roster management. The team anticipates several other players returning from injured reserve soon, and there's a limit of eight players who can be brought back from IR during the regular season. With other players already designated for return, the Saints aimed to preserve available slots.

Further complicating matters, the terms of injury settlements prevent the Saints from re-signing Neal or Estime for a specific period. Currently, the Saints' active roster includes Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, and CJ Donaldson, with Zamir White and Ulysses Bentley IV on the practice squad, highlighting their urgent need to address the running back depth.