Saints Position Battle to Watch Against Texans

Here's one position that has a few spots up for grabs when the Saints take on the Texans on Sunday.

The New Orleans Saints host the Houston Texans this Sunday in the final week of the NFL preseason. New Orleans has won both of their preseason games coming into this contest, which precedes the mandatory league cutdown date on August 29.

There are several roster spots and position battles still to be determined for the Saints. NFL.com writer Eric Edholm previews which battles he is watching closest in each of this weekend's preseason finales. Here is what Edholm highlighted in the Saints-Texans matchup. 

SAINTS: Chris Olave and Michael Thomas are roster locks, and Rashid Shaheed and rookie A.T. Perry figure to make the Saints’ opening roster. But there’s at least one WR spot up for grabs heading into the preseason finale. Lynn Bowden is a possibility because of his kick return ability. Rookie Shaquan Davis has been on a late tear. Keith Kirkwood sat out last game; does that mean he’s made it? And then there’s Tre’Quan Smith, who doesn't appear to be a roster lock due to his inconsistency. Expect the back end of the WR depth chart to be one of the biggest focus areas prior to cutdowns. 

Not only are Olave and Thomas locks, but so is Shaheed. Perry may not be a lock, but after his performances the last few weeks it would be a major upset if the rookie sixth-round pick wasn't on the 53-man roster.

With four spots essentially spoken for, there are still a few questions at the position that need answered. 

Will the incumbent veterans be able to hold off challengers?

New Orleans Saints receiver Keith Kirkwood (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

Tre'Quan Smith has been sidelined by a groin injury and hasn't played or practiced in weeks. The only consistent thing about Smith has been his disappointing lack of production over his five-year career. Smith has averaged less than two catches for a meager 26.7 yards per game in his career, despite multiple opportunities to secure the Number 2 or 3 wideout job.

Kirkwood, also a sixth-year pro and on his second stint with New Orleans, has been steady throughout training camp. Being a special teams contributor also helps his cause, but he's developed into a solid possession receiver for Saints quarterbacks. Kirkwood has gotten a lot of reps with the first team because of injuries and not wanting to overwork Olave or Thomas. His play in response makes him a strong candidate to grab a roster spot.

Kawaan Baker is in his third year with the Saints. Undrafted out of South Alabama in 2021, he's spent most of his career on the practice squad. Baker has had a solid camp, but not sure it's been enough to crack the active roster. He could be destined for the practice squad again. 

New Orleans has already jettisoned veteran wideouts Keke Coutee, James Washington, and Bryan Edwards this preseason. Will any of the remaining vets be able to make a hard enough push to keep their jobs?

Have the new young additions done enough to earn roster spots?

New Orleans Saints tightened Shaq Davis catches a pass against Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Cam Brown (38). Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Undrafted rookie Shaq Davis caught the attention of the average fan with a magnificent outing against the Chargers on Sunday. Even with that 3 catch and 63-yard performance, it may not be enough to crack the roster. The reality is that the 6'5" and 215-Lb. Davis has made enough plays during training camp practices to warrant a longer look, but it may be on the practice squad. 

Bowden was added by the Saints right after minicamp and has come on strong lately. The fourth-year pro had 28 catches for 211 yards for the Dolphins in 2020, but spent 2021 on injured reserve and all of last year on New England's practice squad. He has three catches for 40 yards this preseason and has shown good open field running ability. 

A late addition to training camp, Lutcher High School and LSU grad Jontre Kirklin could be making a late push for a spot. He has 72 yards from scrimmage and has also been shifty in the open field. 

Davis really hasn't seen action on special teams and will have to make the team based off his merits as a receiver. However, Bowden and Kirklin could have another path to the roster.

Will the Saints keep 5 or 6 wideouts on the active roster?

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Lynn Bowden (84) runs with the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY

New Orleans has kept six receivers into the regular season in recent years. However, they've only done so because one of those wideouts was also their primary kick returner (see: Deonte Harty and Rashid Shaheed).

The explosive Shaheed is a bona-fide threat on punt and kickoff returns. It also seems clear that the Saints would prefer not to use him in that role unless necessary. That opens the door for a potential sixth receiver on the roster.

Bowden and Kirklin have both been used as returners this preseason. Kirklin has averaged 24 yards on three kickoff returns. Bowden has returned five punts for a nearly nine yard average and three kickoffs averaging 20 yards. Running backs Kendre Miller, Ellis Merriweather, and Kirk Merritt have also been used on kickoffs, while DB Ugo Amadi returned one punt for 17 yards.

All have had similar results, but none have necessarily stood out in this area. The Saints could default back to Shaheed or have even used Taysom Hill on kickoff returns in the past. Doing so, or using Miller or Merriweather on kickoffs, would allow the team to use the extra roster spot at another position. 

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Jontre Kirklin (85) warms up before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

This is a key area to watch against the Texans. It could be the best chance for Bowden or longshot Kirklin to crack the active roster.

It would be surprising to see Olave, Thomas, or Shaheed get much action against the Texans, if they suit up at all. Perry may get playing time, but likely only to get extra reps in the offense. Smith remains sidelined as of Wednesday. The Saints may even consider putting him on injured reserve or the PUP list.

Keith Kirkwood, Lynn Bowden Jr., Shaq Davis, Jontre Kirklin, and Kawaan Baker will most likely be the Saints receivers against Houston. They also appear to be fighting it out for what could be the Saints final roster spot at the position.