The wide receiver position for the Saints has gotten very competitive and complicated, and those who emerge as members of the team’s final 53 man roster is very uncertain. Last year the Saints carried 6 receivers on their roster, if you include Courtney Roby who is primarily a kick returner. Adrian Arrington was the team’s 5th receiver and due to lack of injuries at the position he almost never saw the field. This year they may only keep 5, because remember the addition of Darren Sproles puts into question whether they’d give a spot to a receiver as a primary return man. If Joseph Morgan can completely outperform Sproles as a return man, though, then he makes a case for sticking around. Certainly his 78 yard return for a touchdown on Friday gives him a leg up in the competition.
Right now the Saints are carrying 11 receivers on the roster, with 5 and maybe 6 spots available on the final 53 man roster. Injuries to the main guys are piling up. Marques Colston has been resting his knee, which he had offseason surgery on, Adrian Arrington has been unable to practice full time, and Robert Meachem tweaked his lower back in the game Friday which may sideline him briefly.
You’d have to think that Colston and Meachem are locks if they can get their bodies ready by week one. Lance Moore is of course a lock as well, and while Devery Henderson’s high cap number could leave him vulnerable, all signs point to him sticking around after the very impressive camp showing he’s had. That’s essentially 4 spots locked down. The final one – or two – spots are being battle for by Joseph Morgan (pictured), Courtney Roby, Andy Tanner, John Chiles, Adrian Arrington, Montez Billings and Jarred Fayson. Adrian Arrington and Courtney Roby are the veterans that will be hard cuts to make, but Joseph Morgan and Montez Billings are the youngsters that have impressed so far. While the need for a good kick returner has dimished due to the new kickoff rule (now to the 35), Roby made the most of his time at receiver and really did a good job there. Perhaps he can be more involved in the offense if he makes the team this year.
All I know is Adrian Arrington better get on the field, healthy, and fast. These receivers are playing well and his roster spot is no gimme. His tenure with the Saints is in serious jeopardy if he can’t regain the form he had last preseason. Morgan and Roby are the two guys that I felt took the opportunities they were given in this first game and ran with it. We’ll have to keep a close eye on how this plays out because it’s going to be a very exciting battle.
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