Saints release fullback Austin Johnson as part of several moves

The New Orleans Saints waived fullback Austin Johnson as part of several moves on Tuesday, according to the NFL transactions wire.

Undrafted out of Tennessee in 2012, Johnson spent his first season on the Baltimore Ravens‘ practice squad before taking his talents to New Orleans in 2013.  He made his debut last September against the Atlanta Falcons before suffering a Week 8 knee injury and being placed on injured reserve.

The clear favorite to make the team at training camp earlier this year, Johnson hasn’t played since Week 6.  After the Saints traded in early October for tight end Michael Hoomanawanui, who’s capable of switching to a fullback role, Johnson’s presence in the backfield basically vanished.

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The Saints also released Akeem Davis, a special teams player signed a couple of weeks ago, and terminated the contract of defensive back Sammy Seamster.  They re-signed wide receiver T.J. Graham to replace Davis.

Graham was signed by the Saints on October 21, released on Oct. 24 and re-signed again on Oct. 28. They waived him again on Saturday, only to sign him for the third time in less than two weeks.

Running back Khiry Robinson, who suffered a fractured tibia that ended his season on Sunday, was officially placed on injured reserve.  The Saints re-signed Tim Hightower, who has also been back and forth with the team, to replace Robinson.