Saints Announce Practice Squad Elevations Ahead of Game Against Buccaneers

Saints announce two roster additions in advance of Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.

The New Orleans Saints have elevated S Johnathan Abram and CB Cameron Dantzler to the active roster ahead of their game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Both are standard elevations and fill needs going into the game. 

The Saints will again be without CB Paulson Adebo, who will miss his second straight week with a hamstring injury. Marshon Lattimore and Alontae Taylor will be the starters, with Isaac Yiadom expected to again be the third corner.

Dantzler, a third-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State, was signed to the New Orleans practice squad last week. He appeared in 36 games over three years with the Vikings, starting 26 contests. Dantzler had three interceptions, broke up 17 passes, and forced or recovered five fumbles over that span.

Abram sees his second straight week on the active roster for the Saints. He did not see any action last week against Green Bay. Abram was a first-round choice by the Raiders in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State. He had three interceptions and broke up 12 passes in three seasons with the Raiders before finishing 2022 with the Seattle Seahawks. Abram signed with New Orleans this offseason. He was released prior to the regular season, but re-signed to the practice squad. 

Aug 11, 2023; New Orleans Saints safety Johnathan Abram (24) works on defensive back drills during training camp. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

New Orleans S Marcus Maye is serving the second of a three-game suspension. Rookie Jordan Howden played well in his place last week, but will miss today's game against Tampa Bay with a finger injury. Lonnie Johnson and Ugo Amadi are expected to split safety reps and take on some slot coverage duties alongside starting S Tyrann Mathieu. 

Earlier this week, the Saints signed QB Jake Luton onto their active roster from the practice squad of the Carolina Panthers.  Starting QB Derek Carr sprained the AC joint in his right shoulder in last week's loss at Green Bay. Carr returned to practice in limited capacity on Friday, but is considered a game time decision to play.

If Carr doesn't go, former Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston will get the start against his former team. Taysom Hill is also expected to get some reps in the backfield. Luton will likely be listed as the backup in this scenario, with Carr designated the emergency quarterback if he suits up at all.