Kickoff between the New Orleans Saints (0-4) and New York Giants (1-3) is just one day away, and the Saints put the finishing touches on their gameday lineup by processing a series of last-minute roster moves. Here’s who’s up and who’s down going into Week 5’s clash at the Caesars Superdome:
QB Taysom Hill activated from the PUP list
Hill returned to practice this week and has been activated from the physically unable to perform list (PUP), and he’s expected to have a real role in Kellen Moore’s offense. Whether that means the traditional QB power work he saw with Sean Payton on the headset or more fullback-style alignments like Klint Kubiak dialed up for him is a bit of a mystery, but one of the Saints’ most explosive players is back after last year’s knee injury.
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TE Foster Moreau activated from the PUP list
It isn’t just Hill making his 2025 debut after a serious knee injury. Moreau has been activated, too, and he should give the Saints a big boost as a blocking tight end next to Juwan Johnson. He’s an accomplished receiver in his own right, so Moreau could open up some things offensively when the Saints run personnel with multiple tight ends on the field.
WR Trey Palmer sent to injured reserve
This is a disappointing turn for Palmer, who never got into a game with the Saints after being claimed off of waivers in September. He needed some time to pick up the offense but suffered an ankle injury at practice, and that’s landed him on IR. We’ll have to wait and see if he can return later this season, but he’s out of action for at least the next four games.
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TE Moliki Matavao put on waivers
Here’s another corresponding roster move to open a spot for Hill and Moreau. Matavao played sparingly in recent weeks and had been waived and re-signed once already; you have to think he’s headed for the practice squad if no one claims him. He has some moves for a big guy and could develop into a nice piece for the Saints down the road, but at this time it’s clear the Saints have better options.
DT John Ridgeway III downgraded to out
This isn’t too surprising. Ridgeway is still on injured reserve and the Saints have another week for him to practice before they must decide to activate him or shut him down for the year. He’s probably close to returning but not ready just yet.
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LB Eku Leota elevated from the practice squad
This is the same game-day elevation the Saints previously used with rookie defensive end Fadil Diggs, which they maxed out; teams may elevate these guys from the practice squad three times before being required to sign them to the 53-man roster. While he’s listed at a different position, Leota plays the same role, and he’ll look to bring some pressure with Chase Young still out of the lineup.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints make flurry of roster moves for Week 5 vs. Giants