Wide receiver Dante Pettis has joined the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad, according to a team announcement on Tuesday. Pettis, who was cut from the Chicago Bears’ injured reserve list in early September due to an undisclosed injury, now has an opportunity to make his 2024 season debut soon, given the Saints’ current situation.
The Saints have been hit with multiple injuries in their already-thin wide receiver group, which has created an opening for Pettis to potentially contribute quickly. There’s a possibility that Pettis could be activated for the Saints’ upcoming game as early as Thursday.
One of the key reasons for his signing is his experience as a punt returner, which could be particularly valuable if Rashid Shaheed, the team’s primary punt returner, is unable to play in Week 7 due to a knee injury.
Pettis has carved out a role in the NFL over the years as both a wide receiver and a special teams contributor. His ability to return punts adds versatility to the Saints’ lineup, and with Shaheed’s status uncertain, Pettis could fill that critical role. While it remains to be seen how quickly Pettis will see game action, his addition to the practice squad provides the Saints with another option to bolster their receiving corps and special teams.
Pettis began his career with the San Francisco 49ers, who selected him in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Over his career, he has shown flashes of talent, particularly in his ability to make plays on special teams. His experience and skill set could make him an asset for the Saints as they navigate a challenging part of their season with several injured players.
In summary, Pettis’ signing comes at a time when the Saints are in need of depth at wide receiver, and his punt return abilities could be crucial if Shaheed is unable to play. If he’s healthy and can step in quickly, Pettis may have the chance to contribute both on offense and special teams for the Saints in the near future.
Leave a Reply