New Orleans Saints have capable backups in case starters can’t play this Sunday
Aug 25, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Turk McBride (90) knocks the ball out of the arm of Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (13) during second half of their preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Texans 34-27. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-US PRESSWIRE
The one good thing that the New Orleans Saints have learned over the years is that you can’t ever have enough players that can fill in at different positions including multiple roles.
Running back Travaris Cadet is one prime example since he is actually capable of filling in at the backfield as well has a possible slot receiver. It’s that versatility that earned him a spot on the final roster that some thought he may not get since the Saints were crowded at running back.
Cadet as well as Joe Morgan have a slight chance of seeing time on Sunday at wide receiver in case Adrian Arrington or Marques Colston just absolutely can’t play.
Colston has a left foot injury but is expected play. Arrington is coming off surgery due to a meniscus tear in his knee and said that he will play as well. However, Arrington was held out of practice yesterday since his knee was sore after practicing on Wednesday and had a noticeable limp.
Defensive end Will Smith is waiting on word on if he will be granted a temporary restraining order against his four-game suspension that he is currently serving for his alleged role in the bounty investigation brought against the Saints.
If he’s granted the order then interim head coach Aaron Kromer said that Smith could be brought back up to speed in just one day and would likely play. Kromer did say though that if Smith still has to serve the suspension, then he has full confidence in his replacement.
That would be defensive end Turk McBride who the Saints brought in last season to help with their pass rush issues. McBride did well when he played, but injuries forced him to miss several games and he slid down the depth chart at times.
The Saints brought McBride back on a one-year contract this year after languishing in free agency for a day or so and it has paid off in camp and in preseason at least.
McBride has been performing at a very good level and seems to be in good health. Although Kromer admits the loss of Smith would affect them in some way, he paid McBride a compliment by saying that he “sure looks comfortable” when taking reps in practice for Smith.