Practice squad and roster shuffles have begun around the NFL. For the New Orleans Saints, they lost a depth piece for their defense on Tuesday.
Saints lose linebacker Khaleke Hudson
The Browns are signing Hudson off the Saints' practice squad, according to Mike Garafolo.
Hudson was expected to mostly play on special teams for the Saints this season. In Week 1, he was a standard elevation from the Saints PS. The Saints have not made a corresponding move yet.
He played five snaps on defense and 19 on special teams last weekend. On defense, he was a backup safety/linebacker hybrid. There was not a direct route to him seeing more snaps on defense anytime soon.
That being said, linebacker Willie Gay Jr. is dealing with a couple of injuries. He left the season opener early against the Carolina Panthers. We will see how much the practices this week in preparation for Week 2.
If he cannot go, expect to see an increase in snaps for backup LB Anfernee Orji.
He was a special teams standout in Week 1 and played well on defense in the preseason. New Orleans trusts him.
Hudson was a nice offseason addition for the black and gold, but his skillset is replaceable for the Saints. He will play more in Cleveland, though.
