Injuries have hit the New Orleans Saints hard in recent weeks — starting linemen on each side of the ball like defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (knee) and right guard Cesar Ruiz (ankle) won’t play against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, and even if a guy like Foster Moreau is not a starter, he still plays a critical role as one of their better blocking tight ends. He’ll be missed, too. The Saints are also without backup tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden and star running back Alvin Kamara (knee/ankle). Wide receivers Chris Olave (back) and Mason Tipton (groin) are both questionable to play, too.
So it’s a good thing the Saints brought up some reinforcements from the practice squad. They’re elevating wide receiver Ronnie Bell and tight end Treyton Welch for Week 17’s road game with the Titans. While neither of those players should be expected to take on a starting role, their presence can ease the pressure on guys higher up the depth chart.
That’s not all. With Moreau going on injured reserve after last week’s ankle injury, the Saints have promoted another backup tight end, Moliki Matavao, from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. Matavao was drafted in the seventh round out of UCLA earlier this year and has yet to record a catch in four games. He’ll be one of four tight ends available on Sunday along with Juwan Johnson, Jack Stoll, and Welch, but keep an eye on Taysom Hill, too.