Having completed a series of roster moves yesterday, the Saints once again tweaked their 53-man squad today, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com, who reports (via Twitter) that the club has signed wide receiver Jalen Saunders from off the Seahawks’ practice squad, cutting running back Brian Leonard to create space for Saunders.
A Jets fourth-round draft pick back in May, Saunders was cut earlier this season after muffing a pair of punts, and has since spent time on the Cardinals’ and Seahawks’ practice squads. While the rookie wideout certainly won’t be called upon to take over Brandin Cooks‘ role or replicate his production in New Orleans, the Saints’ decision to sign him appears related to having to put their own rookie receiver on IR yesterday due to a season-ending thumb injury.
As for Leonard, he had signed with the Saints a week ago to provide backfield depth. The fact that the team is comfortable releasing him a day after cutting fellow running back Edwin Baker suggests that perhaps Pierre Thomas and/or Khiry Robinson will return to action this weekend.