New Orleans Saints Fill In Gaps On Defense To Deal With Injuries

The New Orleans Saints added two defenders to the roster, claiming linebacker Monty Rice off waivers and signing tackle P.J. Mustipher off the Broncos’ practice squad. The team made the moves to fill in for safety Marcus Maye and tackle Malcolm Roach, who went to the Injured Reserve.

Rice and Mustipher may not be high-profile names in comparison to the likes of Maye, who has been a focal point of the defense for most of the season.

But depth on the defense may prove necessary as the team prepares for a postseason push. The team has already had to proceed without star cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who went on the Injured Reserve two weeks ago. Maye has previously missed time after receiving a three-game suspension.

Though the Saints do not stack up well to the rest of the league with a 5-7 record, they happen to be in the NFC South and have a legitimate chance to win the division. The Falcons currently hold first place with a 6-6 record.

With the offense struggling and quarterbacks Derek Carr and Jameis Winston constantly swapping the starting role, the defense has been of more importance and has kept the team in several games. More injuries on that front could prove especially costly.

The Saints’ upcoming slate of games is not particularly challenging, as they will not play a single team that is currently above .500. Their next two opponents, the Panthers and Giants, are near the bottom of the league and have only regressed throughout the season.

If New Orleans can stay healthy enough to compete as the team has all season, there should be an opportunity to finish with a winning record. For better or worse, a winning record might be the only requirement to securing a playoff berth.

The likes of the 49ers and Eagles may not be too welcoming from there, but a position in the postseason would be an accomplishment considering the Saints’ adversity in 2023.