There are officially 17 days until the New Orleans Saints open up the regular season at home against the Arizona Cardinals. Wide receiver Dante Pettis, who dons that very number, is the player of the day.
Pettis, originally drafted by the 49ers back in 2018, has been with the Saints since the 2024 season. In December, after being called up from the practice squad, he managed to play eight games in the black and gold. As a wide receiver, Pettis had 12 receptions for 120 yards and one touchdown. Also serving as a return specialist, he returned seven punts for 90 yards and returned three kicks for 96 yards.
However, because there is expected to be only one wide receiver spot open behind Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Brandin Cooks, Devaughan Vele, and Mason Tipton, his spot for 2025 is not guaranteed. Currently, he's running the risk of starting the second season in a row on the Saints practice squad.
The preseason finale will be crucial for Saints wide receiver Dante Pettis
Due to the lack of space for him on the roster, wide receiver Dante Pettis will have to crank it up to 11 on Saturday against the Denver Broncos, lest he risk not making the 53-man roster. Luckily, he already has some connection with both quarterbacks, Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough. He'll have to really lean into those in the preseason finale.
So far this preseason, Pettis has caught the ball six times on 13 targets for 82 yards and one touchdown, with no appearances in the return game. That lone touchdown, courtesy of Spencer Rattler, helped tie the game at 17 against the Jaguars and is his best play so far this preseason. Pettis will probably have to grab at least one more receiving touchdown to separate himself from the rest of the pack.