Roster Moves at the Finish Line: Saints Lean on Depth for Season Finale

6 days ago 2

As the New Orleans Saints prepare to end their season in Atlanta for a Week 18 rivalry showdown, the team isn’t just fighting the Falcons, they’re fighting an uphill battle against an overstuffed injury report. Saturday’s trio of roster moves include, signing tight end Treyton Welch to the active roster, elevating quarterback Jake Haener and running back Nyheim Miller-Hines tells the story of a team determined to finish a late-season surge with its head held high.

While neither the Saints nor the Falcons will be dancing in the postseason this year, these moves are far more than just "paperwork." They represent a strategic attempt to sustain the momentum of a four-game winning streak and, perhaps more importantly, a glimpse into the depth that will define the roster in 2026.

The elevation of Jake Haener is perhaps the most telling move. With backup Spencer Rattler sidelined by a finger injury, as reported in yesterday’s injury report, the Saints needed a reliable insurance policy behind starter Tyler Shough. Haener, a former Senior Bowl MVP who saw significant action in 2024, knows this system. Elevating him isn't just about having a body on the sidelines, it’s about ensuring that if Shough’s hip injury flares up, the offense doesn’t lose its rhythm against a hostile Atlanta crowd.

With the tight end room decimated by injuries to Foster Moreau and Jack Stoll, Welch isn’t just a "practice squad body" anymore, he’s now a permanent piece of the puzzle. By locking him in now, the Saints are effectively getting a head start on their 2026 evaluation.

With superstar Alvin Kamara out (MCL), the backfield is suddenly thin. The elevation of Nyheim Miller-Hines (often referred to as Nyheim Hines) brings a veteran explosive element that this offense desperately needs. Hines has the "home run" potential that can turn a stagnant drive into a touchdown. For a player who has bounced around recently, this Sunday is a massive audition to prove he belongs in New Orleans long-term.

These moves highlight a shift in the Saints' philosophy under the current regime. Instead of simply "playing out the string," New Orleans is test running practice squad standouts and maintaining a competitive edge.

The stakes are simple:

The Streak: A win makes it five in a row to end the season.
The Rivalry: You never, under any circumstances, want to lose to Atlanta.
The Future: Every snap taken by Welch, Haener, or Hines is a data point for a front office entering a critical offseason.

The Saints might be bruised, but they aren't broken. By reinforcing the roster with familiar faces who have earned their stripes on the practice field, New Orleans’ season isn't over until the final whistle blows in Atlanta.

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