Saints announce roster moves prior to Week 5 matchup with Chiefs

The New Orleans Saints have placed OL Shane Lemieux on IR due to an ankle injury he suffered in the team’s Week 4 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, signing UDFA G Kyle Hergel to the active roster in a corresponding move.

After stepping in for Erik McCoy at center last Sunday, Lemieux missed Thursday’s practice with an ankle issue that Saints HC Dennis Allen initially described as nothing serious. However, just days later, he was placed on injured reserve. This puts the recent signing of veteran C Connor McGovern off the New York Jets’ practice squad into better perspective, as the Saints will be starting their third center in three games.

Additionally, New Orleans has elevated S Johnathon Abram and LB Isaiah Stalbird from the practice squad for tonight’s matchup in Kansas City.

Stalbird’s elevation was expected amid the injuries to LBs Pete Werner (hamstring) and Willie Gay (hand), and he should see significant playing time on special teams with Demarco Jackson and Anfernee Orji having to take on larger roles. Jackson and Orji will need to make the most of their opportunity to play alongside Demario Davis on primetime television against the reigning Super Bowl champions. Abram’s elevation is likely related to S Tyrann Mathieu playing through multiple injuries at the moment, and he could be utilized on special teams as a gunner as well.

Following his return to practice this week, RB Kendre Miller (hamstring) will not be making his season debut against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night, though a return for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is not off the table. With Taysom Hill ruled out, someone will need to step up to relieve some pressure off Alvin Kamara.