Saints Place Five on Season-Ending IR, Including Promising Rookies
Source: Nola Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
The New Orleans Saints finalized their 53-man roster on Sunday, a day that brought both opportunity and disappointment for several players. The franchise officially placed five athletes on injured reserve without a return designation, meaning they are barred from participating in the regular season or playoffs. This list includes running back Devin Neal, a sixth-round selection from the 2025 draft who had been battling for a spot in a crowded backfield. Neal injured his hamstring during the Saints' preseason defeat to the Los Angeles Rams, compounding a previous hamstring issue that had already limited his preparation. His absence opened the door for other backs, and New Orleans ultimately kept four running backs: Travis Etienne, Alvin Kamara, Audric Estime, and Kendre Miller.
Alongside Neal, the team placed edge defender Mike Heldman on IR without a return designation. Heldman, an undrafted rookie, had generated buzz during training camp and the preseason with his ability to pressure quarterbacks. However, his promising trajectory was cut short when he left Friday's preseason victory over the Dallas Cowboys early due to an unspecified injury. The Saints possess considerable depth on the edge, making Heldman's path to the regular season roster a steep climb from the start.
The other players placed on IR without a return designation are defensive back Dalys Beanum, cornerback David Long Jr., and offensive tackle Barry Wesley. Each had been competing for a role but will now be sidelined for the entire season unless the team reaches an injury settlement, which could allow them to become free agents if their injuries are not deemed season-ending.
New Orleans also utilized its two designated-to-return IR spots on receiver Jordyn Tyson and linebacker Jaylan Ford. These players will be eligible to resume practice after a minimum of four weeks and could return to the active roster later in the season. The decision to use these slots on Tyson and Ford reflects the team's belief that both can contribute meaningfully once healthy.
Neal's situation was particularly noteworthy. After being drafted in the sixth round, he was considered a contender for the third or fourth running back slot behind established stars Etienne and Kamara. But two separate hamstring injuries during the lead-up to the regular season derailed his momentum. The Saints' decision to keep Estime and Miller over Neal suggests a preference for players who maintained full health throughout camp.
Heldman, meanwhile, faced long odds from the outset given the Saints' depth on the edge. Yet his performance in preseason games and practices had raised eyebrows internally. His early exit from the Dallas game was a blow to his chances, and the team's decision to place him on IR without a return designation indicates the injury is significant enough to merit a full season of recovery.
The Saints' roster moves also included standard cuts to reach the 53-player limit. The team is now focused on preparing for Week 1, but the injuries to Neal and Heldman serve as a reminder of the thin line between opportunity and setback in the NFL. For the players placed on IR without a return designation, their season is over before it began. Whether they remain with the organization in 2027 will depend on injury settlements and future roster decisions.
Luke Johnson of The Advocate reported on the moves, noting that the Saints could negotiate injury settlements with any of the five players. Such settlements would allow the players to be released and sign with another team once healthy, though the immediate future for Neal, Heldman, Beanum, Long, and Wesley is uncertain. The team's medical staff will continue to evaluate their conditions as the season progresses.
Article commentary
The New Orleans Saints' roster cuts on Sunday highlight the harsh realities of NFL roster construction, where a single injury can derail a player's entire season. Placing five players on injured reserve without a return designation is a significant move, but it also reflects the team's depth and strategic priorities. The decision to keep four running backs—Travis Etienne, Alvin Kamara, Audric Estime, and Kendre Miller—over Devin Neal suggests that the coaching staff values continuity and reliability. Neal's two hamstring injuries within a short span likely raised red flags about his durability, even though his draft pedigree and preseason flashes were promising. The Saints are stacked at running back, and they could afford to be patient with Neal's health, but the IR designation without a return option indicates they are not willing to carry a roster spot for a player who may not be ready until midseason. Mike Heldman's case is more poignant. As an undrafted rookie, he had to overcome significant odds to make the roster. His performance as a pass rusher during camp and preseason games was a bright spot, but the Saints' edge depth—headlined by veterans and higher draft picks—made his path narrow. The unspecified injury that forced him out of the Dallas game was the final blow. Placing him on IR without a return designation essentially ends his rookie season, but it also allows the team to retain his rights for the future. If Heldman can recover fully, he could compete for a spot in 2027. For now, he joins a long list of undrafted players who showed promise but fell victim to timing and depth. The use of the two designated-to-return IR spots on receiver Jordyn Tyson and linebacker Jaylan Ford is a strategic nod to the future. Both players are likely viewed as potential contributors later in the season, and the team is willing to wait for their recovery. This contrasts with the five players who were placed on IR without a return designation, which signals that the team views their injuries as more severe or their immediate value as lower. One notable aspect is the absence of any major surprises. The Saints' roster is relatively stable, and these moves align with preseason expectations. The depth at running back and edge allowed the team to absorb Neal's and Heldman's losses without panic. However, the injury to David Long Jr. at cornerback could be a concern if the secondary suffers further attrition. The Saints have invested in their defensive backfield, but Long's experience is valuable. Having him unavailable for the entire season could force younger players to step up sooner than anticipated. From a broader perspective, this round of roster cuts is a reminder of the NFL's unforgiving nature. For every player who makes the 53-man roster, there are several who see their dreams deferred or ended by injury. The Saints have handled these situations with a mix of pragmatism and hope, using IR designations to manage their roster while keeping open the possibility of injury settlements. The next few weeks will reveal whether any of these players reach settlements and potentially join other teams, or whether they remain with the Saints in a rehabilitation capacity. Overall, the Saints' roster moves are a routine part of the NFL calendar, but they carry human stories of perseverance and setback. The team's ability to navigate these injuries will be tested as the season unfolds, but for now, the focus is on the 53 players who remain and the challenge ahead.