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New Orleans Saints release WR James Washington, sign RB Darrel Williams

On3-Social-Profile_GRAYby:On3 Staff Report•08/15/23
Darrel Williams, Arizona Cardinals running back
Arizona running back Darrel Williams runs in the open field as a defender closes in during game on Sept. 18, 2022. (Chris Unger / Getty Images)

The New Orleans Saints are making some roster moves as the wear and tear of preseason camp continues to take a toll on the team. The organization signed former LSU running back Darrel Williams on Tuesday.

In order to make that move, the team released wide receiver James Washington, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero.

Williams is entering his sixth season in the NFL, having spent four years in Kansas City and last season in Arizona. He’s had varying results, with his career output just topping 1,000 yards.

Initially undrafted out of LSU, Darrel Williams managed to carve a spot out on the Chiefs roster as a rookie in 2018, but he would only see 16 total touches while playing in six games in his rookie season.

His production gradually increased each of the next three years, leading to a 2021 season in which Williams logged 144 carries for 558 yards and six touchdowns. He also exploded as a reliable pass-catcher, snagging 47 passes for 452 yards and two touchdowns.

That versatility earned him a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals.

But Darrel Williams played in just six games in Arizona last season, tallying 111 total yards and scoring once.

He’ll hope for a bit of a career revival in New Orleans, nearby his college home at LSU. He’ll certainly have some early opportunities.

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News positive on Kendre Miller’s knee injury

The main reason for the new signing for New Orleans is that the team has been incredibly banged up at running back of late. Running back Eno Benjamin ruptured his Achilles tendon earlier this month, ending his season.

But it’s not all such dire news, at least for running back Kendre Miller, who suffered a knee sprain during Sunday’s preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Miller will not have to have surgery to repair anything.

After undergoing an MRI on Monday, it appears Miller’s injury is not severe enough to require any surgical work. Pelissero said the rookie will still miss time, but there’s “optimism” for his return by Week 1 when the Saints take on the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 10.

In a 26-24 win for New Orleans on Sunday, prior to his injury, Miller had four carries for a gain of five yards. He also had one catch for one yard in his NFL preseason debut.

Darrel Williams will now join the mix, looking to make an impact before Miller returns to the fold.