Five players are out the door for the New Orleans Saints, a direct consequence of a mistake-filled game and what looks like a major disciplinary shift from coach Kellen Moore. After Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, where turnovers and penalties plagued the team, Moore isn’t just talking about accountability anymore, he’s acting on it.
The Roster Shake-Up: Who’s Gone and Why
Let’s get right to it: the Saints released long snapper Cal Adomitis from the 53-man roster. Adomitis was filling in for Zach Wood, but he had some hiccups, including a really untimely penalty deep in Saints territory during that Vikings game. It sounds like Wood might be back quicker than expected, or the Saints have another long snapper in mind for their upcoming matchup with the New York Giants. Then there’s cornerback Jayden Price, who stuck with the Saints after a solid training camp. But a big mistake in the kicking game, fumbling the opening kickoff of the second half against Minnesota, quickly turned a narrow Saints lead into a big deficit. That fumble cost him his spot, getting waived from the 53-man roster.
On the wider receiver front, Brock Rechsteiner, a rookie, got waived amid a suspension. This dude was already serving six weeks for testing positive for a prohibited substance and trying to manipulate the results. He still has one week left on that suspension, but when he’s cleared to play, he’ll be a free agent. It feels super unlikely the Saints bring him back on the practice squad after this. Wide receiver Trey Palmer also got released from the practice squad. He was claimed off waivers last summer, had a respectable training camp, but a lingering hamstring kept him from any games. With Jordyn Tyson’s return on the horizon and a glut of receivers already on the 53-man roster and practice squad, the Saints are clearly trimming the fat. Finally, running back Ulysses Bentley IV was released from the practice squad. He was brought in after Travis Etienne Jr. got a hamstring injury, but Bentley wasn’t promoted for either of the last two games. The Saints are opting to split carries between Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, and rookie backup CJ Donaldson, and with Zamir White still on the practice squad, they might just stick with four running backs for the next two games before their bye week.
Kellen Moore’s Hammer Falls: Accountability Culture Begins?
This feels like the first big disciplinary move from Coach Kellen Moore. He’s been catching heat for allowing too many turnovers and penalties in critical moments, and frankly, the team needs to develop a culture of accountability. You fumble the opening kickoff, you take a dumb penalty in your own territory, and now you’re seeing the consequences. This isn’t just about finding better players, it’s about sending a message to everyone on that team: mistakes cost you. The team also re-signed cornerback Decamerion Richardson to the 53-man roster, who had been claimed off waivers earlier in the season.
So, what’s next? The Saints are prepping for the New York Giants. They’ll need a long snapper, whether it’s Wood back or someone new. Plus, they’re looking forward to Travis Etienne Jr. returning in November for their next home game. It’s clear the message has been sent, and the heat is on for anyone still wearing the black and gold.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply