The battle at the bottom of the wide receiver depth chart has quietly been one of the biggest battles at New Orleans Saints training camp. It could all come to a head in the preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys. It's Trey Palmer vs Bub Means vs Kevin Austin Jr. for that last wide receiver spot on the roster.
Everything went wrong against the Los Angeles Rams, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that none of the receivers stood out. Heck, running back CJ Donaldson had a 32 yard reception, and that alone would have been almost enough to lead the team on the day. It was more than Palmer, Means and Austin combined.
Means suffered a hamstring injury in the game, but he returned as a full participant in practice on Tuesday, suggesting he should be good to go for the finale. That's a must because this battle could come down to who looks the best versus the Cowboys. Means was the most impressive player against the Jaguars, so a repeat performance could cement his case.
Jordyn Tyson and Ja'Lynn Polk made this Saints WR battle more important
The question of whether or not the Saints would keep five or six receivers has been a big question around the team's roster construction. We assumed they'd keep six, and now they really have no choice since Jordyn Tyson will miss the first month of the season, at best. Whether Tyson lands on the short term injured reserve to start the season will determine if the Saints technically have five or six on the initial roster.
There was a really good chance that the winner of this triple threat was going to make the roster regardless of Tyson's injury, but Tyson missing time could put a heavier weight on the decision. That's where Ja'Lynn Polk comes into play.
When we assumed the Saints were going to keep six receivers the list was: Chris Olave, Tyson, Devaughn Vele, Polk, Bryce Lance and Barion Brown. Palmer, Means and Austin were fighting to take Polk's spot, but with him out of the picture, the path to the roster became clearer. It also became more important.
Many believed Polk was fighting for the last wide receiver spot, but he'd still play ahead of rookies Lance and Brown. While those rookies have had a really good camp, there's still a chance Kellen Moore wants them to have more time to develop.
Instead of Polk playing ahead of the rookies, maybe the winner of this wide receiver battle gets that chance. If they do, this suddenly transforms from a battle to determine the final receiver on the roster to picking someone who could be a real contributor.
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