New Orleans Saints announce a long list of midweek roster moves

We've got a lot of roster moves from the New Orleans Saints after Tuesday's group workout, so let's run through the list. Changes are in store for the offense, defense, and special teams on both the 53-man roster and the practice squad. Here's what you need to know about each transaction.

OT Barry Wesley activated from injured reserve

A hip injury cost Wesley the first half of the regular season, but he figures to help out as depth for each tackle spot now that he's healthy. The Saints tried him out at both left tackle (55 snaps) and right tackle (44) in the preseason. Look for Kelvin Banks Jr. to man the left side with Asim Richards starting at right tackle if Taliese Fuaga isn't cleared to return from his ankle injury, with Wesley hanging back in reserve.

RB Evan Hull promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster

A knee injury to Alvin Kamara meant the Saints needed more depth at running back; with Kendre Miller out for the year recovering from his own knee injury, that meant Hull is coming up to join Devin Neal and Audric Estime on the 53-man roster. If nothing else Hull offers fresh legs and could bring some juice to the backfield.

K Blake Grupe released from the 53-man roster

Grupe will go on waivers like any other player after the NFL trade deadline, and he'll probably catch on somewhere as a new coaching staff looks to get him back on track. But the Saints had to make a change. He leads the league in missed field goals this season and ranks second-worst since they named him the starter a few years ago. Good luck to him in what comes next.

K Cade York signed to the practice squad

York is a young journeyman who has tried out for a couple of different teams since being drafted by the Cleveland Browns back in 2022. The former LSU Tigers standout had his most successful run across five games with the Cincinnati Bengals last year, going 9-for-11, so you'd think he has a good shot at outcompeting Charlie Smyth to kick this Sunday.

RB Ian Wheeler signed to the practice squad

Wheeler previously worked out for the Saints on Oct. 28 (as did Hull), but a second look was what they needed to add him to the team. The 24-year old from Houston played college football at Howard and spent time with the Chicago Bears over the last two years. He's listed at 5-foot-10, 206 pounds and rushed for 152 yards and four touchdowns across five preseason games.

WR Samori Toure signed to the practice squad

A former Green Bay Packers draft pick, Toure has some size the Saints could use at wide receiver with his 6-foot-1, 195-pound frame. He'll have to work hard to stand out in the receiving corps with other guys on the practice squad like Dante Pettis and Ronnie Bell. But with Brandin Cooks being let go, they needed another player here to keep practice running smoothly.

WR Jha'Quan Jackson released from the practice squad

It's a tough break for Jackson, who signed just a week ago. The returns specialist may have had his window closed by Mason Tipton's 75-yard kick return against the Falcons. We'll keep an eye out for where he lands next.

EDGE Eku Leota released from the practice squad

Leota had already gotten into three games as a single-week elevation this season, and with Chase Young healthy and back in the lineup there just wasn't room for him anymore. He showed he can play and help a team on game days so don't be surprised if another franchise gives him a shot.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: New Orleans Saints announce a long list of midweek roster moves