3 Saints practice squad additions who will likely see the field this season

On Wednesday, the New Orleans Saints announced their initial practice squad roster. Fortunately for the Saints, all the players they cut cleared waivers, so the practice squad currently consists of guys that went through training camp with the team. New Orleans is allowed to carry 17 total practice squad players, one more than normal, since Charlie Smyth is a part of the International Pathway Program. The team has one remaining spot after signing 16 guys on Wednesday.

Contrary to the name, the practice squad is more than a group of guys that serve as a scout team in practice. The players are essentially just guys further down the depth chart, that can be called up if needed. Every season, whether it’s because of injuries or poor play, guys get elevated to the active roster.

It’s safe to assume this year will be no different. Here are three practice squad players who will likely play in a game this season.

3. Equanimeous St. Brown

Equanimeous St. Brown doesn’t have many fans in the Saints fan base, but fans can agree on one thing: New Orleans’ wide receiver room is a bit concerning. Currently, the team has just six receivers on the 53-man roster: Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, A.T. Perry, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Bub Means, and Mason Tipton.

Olave and Shaheed are the only two with an established reputation; the other four are out to prove themselves this season. Additionally, health is always a factor during NFL seasons. While it would be great to go through the year without any injuries, the reality is St. Brown will probably get called up at some point when someone goes down.

2. Johnathan Abram

The 2024 season is shaping up just like the 2023 season did for Johnathan Abram. Signing with the team in free agency last year, the veteran safety was released on cut day, but signed to the practice squad. By November, he was signed to the active roster.

It’s a case of déjà vu in New Orleans, with Abram signing in free agency, being cut and re-signed to the practice squad. The final step will likely repeat as well, especially since there’s a lot of uncertainty in the safety group. Aside from Tyrann Mathieu, New Orleans has seen questionable play at safety. If that continues, Abram could be getting another elevation.

1. Ugo Amadi

Another defensive back that could make his way on to the field is Ugo Amadi. The veteran is a versatile defender with experience at safety and cornerback, and he has also been very valuable on special teams in the past. Players like that always find their way into a game. If anybody in the secondary goes down, Amadi will be ready to fill in.

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