We’ve got to keep moving after the NFL trade deadline, and so do the New Orleans Saints. The Saints announced their first post-deadline roster moves on Wednesday, having opened up two spots on the 53-man roster by trading wide receiver Rashid Shaheed and offensive lineman Trevor Penning. Now we know who’s taking their places.
Running back Audric Estime is being promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, where he’ll join Alvin Kamara and Devin Neal. Estime was drafted by the Denver Broncos last year but was let go this summer, and recently signed with New Orleans after initially trying out on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad. In a corresponding move, the Saints re-signed rookie defensive tackle Coziah Izzard to the practice squad. He was let go to make room for Estime in the first place.
Additionally, the Saints designated veteran offensive lineman Barry Wesley to return from injured reserve. They still have a spot open on the 53-man roster so he can take that place as soon as he’s ready. Wesley signed with the team this offseason and competed at both guard and tackle. Injuries have hit the offensive line hard, so it’s at least a little reassuring to know he’s on his way back. He has two weeks to practice before being activated for a game, or else he’ll revert to injured reserve for the rest of the year. But it doesn’t sound like he’ll be out of action much longer.