The New Orleans Saints made two roster moves early this week, as announced by General Manager and Executive Vice President Mickey Loomis on Tuesday. The team, currently 4-7, enters their bye week after a second consecutive victory under interim head coach Darren Rizzi, defeating the Cleveland Browns last Sunday.
Loomis confirmed the re-signing of wide receiver and kick returner Jermaine Jackson to the practice squad. Jackson, an undrafted rookie from Idaho, has been moving between the Saints’ practice squad and active roster throughout the season.
Standing at 5’7″ and weighing 170 pounds, Jackson has appeared in four games this year. While he has only been on the field for four offensive snaps—recording one rush for a loss of a yard and no targets in the passing game—his primary contributions have come as a return specialist. Jackson has returned seven punts for 68 yards, averaging 9.7 yards per return, and has eight kickoff returns with a 23.4-yard average.
Jackson initially stepped into the role of primary returner after Rashid Shaheed suffered a season-ending knee injury. However, Jackson was released prior to last week’s game against Cleveland, with Dante Pettis handling punt return duties. His return to the practice squad provides the Saints with depth and flexibility in their special teams unit.
To accommodate Jackson’s return, the Saints placed defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat on injured reserve. Jeffcoat, another undrafted rookie, joined the team from Arkansas and had spent most of the season on the practice squad. He has not appeared in any games this year.
The Saints now have a week off to regroup and prepare for their next game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, December 1. The Rams, currently 5-5, will travel to New Orleans for what will be a critical matchup for both teams. The bye week offers the Saints a chance to recover and refine their strategies as they push to improve their standing in the league.
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