yahoo
The New Orleans Saints' latest roster transactions might indicate positive developments for running back Travis Etienne Jr. as he works his way back from injured reserve.
Last week, the Saints made a corresponding move by releasing a wide receiver from their practice squad just before activating first-round pick Jordyn Tyson from injured reserve. Now, Etienne is also eligible to be activated from IR, and the team has just parted ways with one of its practice squad running backs, Jarquez Hunter.
While these moves logically point toward Etienne's return, the team has not made any official announcement. Until then, here's a breakdown of each recent roster move as the Saints prepare for their Week 10 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
RB Jarquez Hunter released from practice squad
Hunter was signed after injuries decimated the running back room, with Etienne landing on injured reserve and CJ Donaldson sidelined for multiple weeks. Hunter never appeared in a game, as Zamir White was called up for the Week 9 overtime victory over the Panthers. Moving on from Hunter now suggests Etienne will be back soon, reducing the number of practice snaps available. The team wishes him well in his next opportunity.
TE Stone Smartt placed on practice squad IR
Smartt previously played for Kellen Moore with the Philadelphia Eagles but was not elevated for a game after reuniting with Moore in New Orleans. He suffered an injury at practice and will be sidelined, which allows the team to open a spot on the practice squad until he can return.
TE Treyton Welch re-signed to practice squad
Welch has been a consistent contributor as a blocking tight end, appearing in five of the first eight games. The Saints clearly want to keep him around, as he has also logged 47 snaps on special teams, primarily with the kick return and punt coverage units.
TE Matt Lauter signed to practice squad
Lauter is a new addition. He played college football at Boise State and signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as a rookie free agent before ending up with the Minnesota Vikings by the end of the preseason. He is an experienced run blocker, having logged 1,175 snaps in that role in college, and also possesses some receiving ability with nine touchdown catches in his last two years. The team will evaluate what he brings to the table.
Originally reported by yahoo.