Saints add linebacker Will Compton: how much will he play?

With Craig Robertson absent from practice after an apparent leg injury Sunday against the Chargers, the Saints added Compton in part because of his special teams ability.

Tennessee Titans linebacker Will Compton (51) takes the field during player introductions before the game against the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints in March re-signed linebacker Craig Robertson in part because of his special teams contributions. 

Now, with Robertson absent from practice after an apparent leg injury early in a preseason game Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Saints added another linebacker with special teams experience. 

Will Compton played a majority of his snaps last season with the Tennessee Titans while on special teams. He ended the season with 16 total tackles -- eight came while on special teams. He also forced a fumble during a kickoff return in Week 12 against the Houston Texans.

The Saints announced the signing Wednesday. 

Coach Sean Payton made no mention of Robertson when discussing the transactions.

"When we have injuries, we bring players in and work players out and make decisions," Payton said. "His experience as a guy that's played in games, I think that's helpful."

During his first two seasons with the Saints, Robertson played in 31 games and started 27. He led the Saints in tackles in 2016. Last season, he played on more than 80 percent of the special teams snaps over 16 regular season games. 

Compton is a six-year NFL veteran who played in 69 games with 35 starts. His first five seasons came with the Washington Redskins, who he joined as an undrafted free agent in 2013 out of Nebraska. 

Also Wednesday, the Saints waived long snapper Nick Moore, put offensive lineman Chris Clark on injured reserve and signed offensive lineman Fisayo Awolaja.

The Saints also have been without starting linebacker Alex Anzalone because of injury. He has been seen working out with athletic trainers on another field during practices.