The New Orleans Saints finalized their initial 12-player practice squad for the 2026 NFL season, bringing back developmental prospects like kicker Charlie Smyth and running back Zamir White following roster cuts and waiver wire claims.
Following the NFL roster cutdown deadline and subsequent waiver wire claims, executive vice president and general manager Mickey Loomis announced the initial group on Monday. The initial squad balances returning young talent with specific developmental additions as the team prepares to open the regular season on September 13 against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Charlie Smyth Returns via International Pathway Program
For the third consecutive season, Irish kicker Charlie Smyth will occupy the International Pathway Program spot on the practice squad. Smyth spent training camp competing for the starting role before falling behind Tanner Brown and newcomer Daniel Carlson. By clearing waivers, Smyth returns to continue his development after transitioning from Gaelic football.
According to local reporting, Smyth’s camp performance showed inconsistency, but the exemption slot allows the franchise to retain him without counting against the standard 16-man limit.
Backfield Adjustments and Trade Acquisitions
Running back Zamir White joins the practice squad after being released during final roster cuts. The Saints acquired White in the final week of training camp via a player-for-player trade with the San Francisco 49ers involving linebacker Deion Jones. White saw significant snaps in the preseason finale, scoring an 11-yard touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys.
The backfield depth also includes CJ Donaldson, a rookie out of Ohio State who put together a strong finish over the final two preseason contests following a slow start to camp.
Complete Practice Squad Roster Breakdown
- Fadil Diggs (EDGE, 6-4, 257, Syracuse) – Returning for his second consecutive season on the practice squad after spending time on the active roster in 2025.
- CJ Donaldson (RB, 6-1, 230, Ohio State) – Power-back prospect who finished camp strong.
- Alan Herron (T, 6-3, 308, Maryland) – Developmental tackle and Jamaica native with two years of college football experience.
- Jalen Moreno-Cropper (WR, 6-0, 172, Fresno State) – Late-summer addition who flashed playmaking ability in the preseason.
- Jackson Sirmon (LB, 6-2, 240, California) – Linebacker depth addition.
- Charlie Smyth (K, 6-4, 210, International Pathway Program) – Retained via the league’s IPP exemption.
- Jay’Viar Suggs (DL, 6-3, 299, Wisconsin) – Undrafted rookie defensive tackle who batted away consecutive passes in the preseason finale.
- Zamir White (RB, 5-11, 227, Georgia) – Former 49ers trade acquisition adding veteran backfield depth.
- Alex Wollschlaeger (T, 6-7, 310, Kentucky) – Undrafted free agent who cleared waivers to return to the organization.
Roster Movement and Active 53-Man Adjustments
While the practice squad took shape, the active 53-man roster also saw adjustments. General manager Mickey Loomis claimed two players off waivers: offensive tackle Mason Murphy from the Chicago Bears and defensive tackle Colby Wooden from the Indianapolis Colts. To accommodate the additions, the Saints waived wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. and tight end Treyton Welch.
Other candidates evaluated during the cutdown process opted to sign elsewhere, with safety Terrell Burgess joining the Tennessee Titans’ active roster and wide receiver Bub Means signing to the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad.
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