The New Orleans Saints have signed veteran wide receiver **** to their practice squad in response to injuries in their receiving corps. The move, announced on Tuesday, also involved releasing cornerback **Shemar Jean-Charles** from the practice squad.
The Saints are dealing with injuries to key receivers, including **Chris Olave**, who suffered a concussion during Sunday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and **Rashid Shaheed**, who sustained a knee injury late in the game. Reports suggest that Shaheed may miss some time, and with a short turnaround before their Thursday Night Football game against the Denver Broncos, it’s unlikely either player will be available.
**Pettis**, turning 29 on October 23, was originally a second-round draft pick by the **San Francisco 49ers** in 2018. He played three seasons with the 49ers, appearing in 28 games and catching 38 passes for 576 yards and seven touchdowns. His best year was his rookie season, when he recorded 27 receptions for 467 yards and five touchdowns.
After being released by the 49ers in 2020, Pettis joined the **New York Giants**, where he played sporadically over two seasons, making limited appearances due to injuries. In 2022, he signed with the **Chicago Bears**, appearing in all 17 games, where he posted 19 catches for 245 yards and three touchdowns—his best output since his rookie year.
Pettis was placed on injured reserve by the Bears during the 2023 preseason and eventually released. His connection with **Andrew Janocko**, the Saints’ current quarterbacks coach and former coach with the Bears, may have played a role in his signing.
Pettis, a versatile player standing at **6’1″ and 195 lbs**, has **71 career receptions for 984 yards and 12 touchdowns** across 50 NFL games. He also brings experience as a punt returner, a role that may be especially useful with **Shaheed** out.
With Olave and Shaheed sidelined, Pettis could be added to the active roster along with **Kevin Austin Jr.** or **Equanimeous St. Brown** for Thursday’s matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Saints, currently at **2-4**, will face a **3-3** Broncos team.
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