Saints Positions to Watch Against Texans

Several players are down to their last chance to earn jobs as the Saints take on the Texans to wrap up the NFL preseason.

The New Orleans Saints host the Houston Texans in the final preseason game of the NFL offseason. New Orleans has won their first two outings, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers. 

All NFL teams must trim their rosters to 53 players by 4pm Eastern Time on Tuesday, August 29.

Saints coach Dennis Allen has already said that QB Derek Carr and most of the projected starters will sit this one out. It's also the last chance for many of the ''bubble players'' to either make one last push for this roster or make a good impression for other teams on film.

Darrel Williams, Zack Baun, and Johnathan Abram are among a few veterans who may need an outstanding performance to hold on to their jobs. The Saints second and third string offensive line has been putrid through two preseason games. That's definitely one position to watch on a unit desperate for quality depth.

Here's a look at a few other position groups to watch closest against Houston as some roster battles come down to the wire. 

KICKER

New Orleans Saints place kicker Wil Lutz (3) kicks a field goal against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Wil Lutz has been the New Orleans kicker since 2016, minus surgery that sidelined him in 2021. He's never faced the roster competition that undrafted rookie Blake Grupe has given him this preseason. 

Grupe has converted all three of his field goals during preseason, including a last-minute game winner against Kansas City. Lutz has connected on all four of his field goal tries, including a 51-yarder against the Chargers. 

Both kickers have been equally accurate during training camp practices. Grupe has also matched the outstanding range that Lutz shows on kickoffs. Their performance has led to strong speculation that one of the kickers would be traded. Neither player would clear waivers to be brought back to the practice squad. 

A trade is certainly possible. However, I believe that the Saints stay with the range and experience of Lutz. I also expect Grupe to develop a sudden and mysterious ''injury'' in the coming days, allowing New Orleans to stash him on injured reserve until 2024.

WIDE RECEIVER 

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Shaq Davis (88) during training camp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, and Rashid Shaheed will be the team’s top three wideouts but probably won't dress tonight. Rookie sixth-round pick A.T. Perry seems to have clinched a roster spot also.

The remaining receivers continue to battle it out for the final one or two spots available. New Orleans has kept six wideouts over the last few seasons, but that's because one of those receivers was also a return specialist. Lynn Bowden has been used quite a bit in that role during training camp. 

Bowden has also been effective on short passes because of his open field skills, but may need a strong outing against Houston to secure a spot. Undrafted rookie Shaq Davis is also making a strong late push to earn a job. Davis, an imposing receiver at 6'5" and 215-Lbs., has made some spectacular catches in traffic. 

Bowden can make a special teams contribution, something that Davis hasn't shown. Keith Kirkwood has also had a standout training camp and has shown a good chemistry with Carr. The fact that he didn't even suit up against the Chargers could indicate that he has the inside track on the depth chart.

Perpetually disappointing Tre'Quan Smith will probably not play against Houston. Davis and Bowden will have great opportunities to try and grab jobs. If not for the active roster then definitely the practice squad if they clear waivers. Don't completely count out Jontre Kirklin or Kawaan Baker either, though they seem more destined for practice squad possibilities. 

LINEBACKER 

New Orleans Saints linebacker Nephi Sewell (45) blocks Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross (8) on a punt. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

New Orleans checked off a huge need when they signed LB Jaylon Smith earlier this month. Smith may see a couple series against Houston for extra reps, but looks like a sure bet to be the third linebacker to Demario Davis and Pete Werner. 

The real battle here will be who fills out the rest of the depth chart. Zack Baun has the most experience of the remaining group. However, Baun continues to be a major liability in coverage and has been out of position against the run several times. 

Baun has been vastly outplayed by Nephi Sewell, D'Marco Jackson, and Ty Summers. All three, along with undrafted rookie Anfernee Orji, have also shown good special teams skills, which has been Baun's strength. 

Have they shown enough to supplant Baun and will the Saints carry five or six linebackers? A former collegiate safety, Sewell has started both preseason games in place of an injured Davis. Jackson is an outstanding athlete and has come on strong lately. 

It would seem absurd to carry a limited defender like Baun over players who have outplayed him and offer more upside. However, strange things happen at roster cutdown time. Sometimes jobs are earned, or lost, based on performances in the last preseason game.